Louis Vuitton date codes: what are they and how do you read them?
Anyone who owns a vintage Louis Vuitton bag will often come across a small code on the inside. This is the so-called date code. Although this code is sometimes mistaken for a serial number, it actually reveals where and when the bag was produced.
What is a date code?
The date code usually consists of a combination of letters and numbers. The letters refer to the factory, meaning the country of production, while the numbers indicate the production year and time.
How do you read the code?
The structure of the code has evolved over the years.
Before 1980: no standardized system, often making these pieces difficult to date.
1980 to 1990: 3 or 4 numbers indicate the month and year (for example, 852 = May 1982).
1990 to 2006: 2 letters and 4 numbers. The letters refer to the factory, while the numbers indicate the month and year.
Example: SP1023, produced in France, December 2003.
After 2007: 2 letters and 4 numbers. The letters refer to the factory, while the numbers indicate the week and year.
Example: DU3171, produced in the 37th week of 2011.
Why is this important?
The date code helps to estimate the age of a bag and is an important detail when assessing authenticity. It is important to note that a date code alone does not guarantee that a bag is authentic; it remains essential to consider multiple characteristics.
Our tip
With vintage items, the code can sometimes be faded or difficult to locate. Look carefully in seams, linings, or behind small pockets; it is often placed in a discreet way.
Decoding a date code adds an extra layer of story to a bag, which is exactly what makes vintage pieces so special.