In attempt to limit counterfeits, Chanel first began manufacturing handbags and accessories with serial number stickers in 1986. Used as a benchmark of authenticity, these serial numbers are attached to the interiors of Chanel pieces and indicate when a piece was manufactured.

Unfortunately, CHANEL does not offer a service that allows you to check serial numbers. You cannot check a CHANEL serial number number online on CHANEL’s website. You can’t walk into a CHANEL shop and have the serial number checked there either.

The Chanel serial numbers are, unlike Louis Vuitton date codes, unique to a specific item. Meaning two Chanel bags can never have the same serial number.

The year the bag was made is determined by the amount of digits in the serial number, and the first digit(s) in that serial number. If your bag has 8 digits, it was produced between late 2005-current.

Examining the stitching is one of the easier ways to spot if a vintage Chanel bag is authentic or fake. Chanel will typically use 11 stitches per quilted diamond side. This high level of craftmanship adds to the overall quality, look, and feel of the bag. In many fakes, they will use 9 or less per panel.

Serial number is printed on a white sticker that is covered with transparent tape, with two Chanel logos above the serial number. Sticker has an “X” cut into it to prevent removal without damage. The transparent tape has “CHANEL” printed vertically on the right side and a dark vertical line running down the left side.

8-digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos. The Chanel logo appears on the right-right side of the sticker.

Inside every Chanel bag, a brand stamp is embossed directly onto the lining or an attached leather patch. The brand stamp should be the same color as the bag’s hardware; a bag with gold hardware should have a gold brand stamp, and a bag with silver hardware should have a silver brand stamp.

Chanel started using date codes in 1984. Since then, every bag comes with a sticker containing a serial number as well as a corresponding authenticity card. Date code stickers can usually be found on the inside lining and will vary depending on the year the bag was made.

When the bag first hit shelves, it went for just $220, and by 1990, it sold for $1,150.

After WWII, Chanel worked until her death until 1971, at the age of 88. These bags from the 1950s to the 1970s are also very rare and worth anywhere from $5,000 and up.”

The History The bag was sold in the U.S. for $220 when it launched, a hefty sum in those, days certainly.

We recommend for your first Chanel bag to be made of their luscious leather, as this will provide you the best luxury handbag experience. Chanel’s main leather options are caviar leather, patent leather, lambskin leather and crinkled/aged calfskin leather.

The Chanel Boy Bag Today the Chanel Boy Bag starts at $5100. It typically retains at least 90% of its resale value.

Paris is home to many luxury fashion houses, including household names such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Hermes, Chloe, YSL and Celine just to name a few. The short answer is yes, luxury brands are cheaper in Paris.

What you probably don’t know and what the article failed to mention was Chanel raises their price every year. Also, not every bag and item was increased by 21%….Chanel Price Comparison in USA vs France.