In the sought-after world of vintage luxury handbags, a Louis Vuitton bag is far more than just an accessory — it’s a symbol of craftsmanship, heritage, and timeless style. However, the global popularity of the Louis Vuitton brand has also given rise to one major challenge: counterfeiting.
The key to authenticating these iconic pieces often lies in understanding and decoding the Louis Vuitton date code.
At The Vintage Traveler, authenticity is at the heart of everything we do. We specialize in offering rigorously authenticated vintage Louis Vuitton bags, ensuring our clients can buy and sell with confidence.
This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about the Louis Vuitton date code, from its meaning to its evolution over time.
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![Louis Vuitton x Cindy Sherman bag]()
![Louis Vuitton x Cindy Sherman bag]()
![Louis Vuitton x Cindy Sherman bag]()
![Louis Vuitton x Cindy Sherman bag]()
![Louis Vuitton x Cindy Sherman bag]()
![Louis Vuitton x Cindy Sherman bag]()
![Louis Vuitton x Cindy Sherman bag]()
![Louis Vuitton x Cindy Sherman bag]()
![Louis Vuitton x Cindy Sherman bag]()
![Louis Vuitton x Cindy Sherman bag]()
Louis Vuitton x Cindy Sherman bag
€ 3950,00
1. What Is a Louis Vuitton Date Code?
Contrary to popular belief, a Louis Vuitton date code is not a unique serial number, like those used by other luxury brands. Instead, it’s a production code that indicates:
Place of manufacture: The country (and sometimes even the factory) where the bag was made.
Date of manufacture: The year, and in some formats, the exact month or week.
The date code serves as an internal tracking tool for Louis Vuitton to ensure quality control and traceability. For authentication experts, it provides crucial information to confirm the age and origin of a bag.
2. Where to Find the Louis Vuitton Date Code
Louis Vuitton date codes are subtle but not impossible to locate. Their placement can vary depending on the bag’s model and production year. You’ll often find them:
On a small leather tab inside a pocket.
Embossed directly on the lining under a pocket.
Behind a zipper.
Beneath the D-ring (a small metal loop).
Along seams or in hidden corners.
Over time, especially on older vintage pieces, these codes can fade, making them difficult to read — which is why professional authentication is often essential.
3. The Evolution of the Louis Vuitton Date Code: How to Decode It
The Louis Vuitton date code format has changed several times over the decades. Here’s an overview of the major periods and how to read each code:
Before 1982: No Date Code
Bags made before 1982 typically have no date code. Authentication relies entirely on material quality, craftsmanship, design details, and overall expertise.
1982 – Mid-1980s: 3 or 4 Digits
Format: 3 or 4 numbers
Meaning: The first two digits represent the year, the remaining digits the month.
Example: 834 = April 1983
Mid-1980s – 1989: Digits + Letters
Format: 3 or 4 digits followed by 2 letters
Meaning: First two digits = year, next digits = month, last two letters = country of manufacture.
Example: 8911SD = November 1989, made in France (SD)
1990 – 2006: Letters + 4 Digits
Format: 2 letters followed by 4 digits
Meaning: Letters = country; first and third digits = month; second and fourth = year.
Example: SP0994 = September 1994, made in France (SP)
2007 – March 2021: Letters + 4 Digits (Week and Year)
Format: 2 letters + 4 digits
Meaning: Letters = country; first and third digits = week of the year; second and fourth = year.
Example: DU2038 = 20th week of 2008, made in France (DU)
After March 2021: The RFID Chip Era
Since March 2021, Louis Vuitton has replaced physical date codes with RFID chips (Radio Frequency Identification). These invisible chips store data about production and authenticity, readable only with specialized scanners.
Although this doesn’t apply to “true vintage” pieces, it’s essential to understand this shift in Louis Vuitton’s authentication process.
4. Country Codes: Where Was Your Louis Vuitton Bag Made?
The two letters in the Louis Vuitton date code correspond to the country of manufacture. Here are some of the most common examples:
| Country | Codes |
|---|---|
| France | FL, SD, MI, VI, RA, CT, ET, LW, SP, MB, AS, A0, A1, A2 |
| United States | FC, FH, OS, SD, CA, LA, TX, FL |
| Spain | CA, LB, LO, LW, LM, GI, UB |
| Italy | CE, SA, BO, RC, RE, MA, FO, RO, TD |
| Germany | LP, OL |
| Switzerland | DI, FA (for pre-1990 leather goods) |
5. Beyond the Date Code: Professional Authentication
While the Louis Vuitton date code is an important indicator, it’s not enough on its own to confirm authenticity.
Sophisticated counterfeiters can replicate these codes with impressive accuracy.
At The Vintage Traveler, our experts go far beyond checking the date code. Each bag is examined meticulously for:
Material quality: The canvas (Monogram, Damier, Azur) and leathers (Vachetta, Epi, Empreinte), their texture, patina, and scent.
Craftsmanship: Stitch precision, pattern alignment, hardware engravings, and clarity of embossed markings (“Louis Vuitton Paris Made in…”).
Design & details: Shape, lining type, zippers (brand and color), rivets, and eyelets.
Weight & structure: Genuine bags have a distinctive weight and construction.
Conclusion
Understanding the Louis Vuitton date code is an essential skill for any vintage luxury enthusiast. It’s the first step in identifying when and where a bag was made — but true peace of mind comes only from expert verification.
At The Vintage Traveler, every Louis Vuitton bag we sell undergoes a rigorous authentication process.
Whether you’re buying or selling, trust our expertise in authentic vintage luxury: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Goyard.
Rare finds, certified authenticity, and timeless value — your next treasure awaits.
