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Date Codes
An authentic Louis Vuitton bag features production codes in the form of a date code and a manufacturing code, often referred to as a serial number. Deciphering these codes can be a bit challenging, but even an untrained eye can estimate the production year using the explanations below.
The coding system was introduced in 1980 and has changed three times since, meaning codes may vary in format. Note that vintage bags produced before 1980 generally do not have numeric codes, though exceptions exist.
This system applies exclusively to bags, not trunks, wallets, cosmetic cases, or other products.
Four types of date codes
Early 1980s
The first date codes contained three or four digits. The first two digits represent the year (and must therefore be greater than 80, as the system was introduced in 1980). The final digit indicates the month of manufacture.
For example, the code “832” means the bag was made in February 1983.
Late 1980s
In the late 1980s, two letters were added to the serial number. These letters indicate the country of manufacture, as detailed in the country code chart below.
1990–2006
During this period, the country code was placed before the date code. For instance, “MI932” indicates the bag was made in France in February 1993.
Since 2007
In 2007, the coding system became more complex. The month code was replaced with a week code for more precise dating.
For example, the code “FL2008” translates to:
FL: Made in the USA
20: Week 20
08: 2008
It is worth noting that the country and date codes may be located in different parts of the bag. Additional country codes may exist, and serial numbers from before 1980 can sometimes be found. Furthermore, there are genuine Louis Vuitton bags that do not display any serial number at all.
Louis Vuitton Paris made in France with the date code VI0956 (manufactured in 1996)
Date code from Louis Vuitton, Keepall, France
Country Codes
France:
A0, A1, A2, AA, AH, AN, AR, AS, AX, BA, BJ, BU, CT, DR, DU, ET, FL, GR, IT, LW, MB, MS, MI, NO, RA, RE, RI, SA, SD, SF, SL, SN, SP, SR, TA, TH, TJ, TN, TR, TS, VI, V.I.
USA:
FC, FH, FL, LA, OS, SD
Spain:
CA, CR, GI, LB, LM, LO, LW
Italy:
BO, CE, FA, FO, MA, NQ, PL, RC, RE, RO, SA, ST, TD
Germany:
LP
Switzerland:
DI, FA
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