Coach Date Codes Explained: How to Tell When Your Bag Was Made
If you’ve ever picked up a Coach bag and noticed a set of letters and numbers stamped inside, you’ve found its date code (sometimes called a serial number). These codes are a key part of identifying when and where a Coach bag was made, which is very useful for collectors, buyers, and sellers.
In this guide, we’ll break down what Coach date codes mean, how to read them, and why they matter when authenticating or reselling your bag.
🔎 What Is a Coach Date Code?
A date code is a unique combination of letters and numbers stamped on a leather patch (called the “creed”) or printed on a fabric tag inside the bag.
Introduced in the 1970s
Originally used to identify factory location and month/year of production
Found in most (but not all) authentic Coach bags
👉 Note: Some small items (wallets, wristlets, pouches, charms) may not have a date code, especially after 2014.
🗓 How to Read Coach Date Codes (Older Bags)
1970s to Early 1990s: All Numbers
Example: 123-4567
First numbers = style number
No direct date info included
Mid-1990s to 2013: Letters and Numbers
Example: F05Q-1234
First letter = factory code (F = USA, L = Spain, H = China, etc.)
Next two digits = year (05 = 2005)
Next letter = month (A = January to M = December, skipping I)
Last four digits = style number
Examples:
F05A-1234 = Made in USA, January 2005, style 1234
L08K-4567 = Made in Spain, November 2008, style 4567
👜 Modern Coach Bags (2014 to Today)
Around 2014, Coach phased out traditional date codes. Instead:
Creed patches often show only the authenticity paragraph with no numbers underneath
Style and factory information moved to a fabric tag sewn inside the lining
Creed Patch (no numbers, just text)
Fabric Tag (with style and production codes)
56819 = Style number (look this up online to find the model name)
G1680 = Factory or production code
👉 This is normal for newer Coach bags. Do not worry if your creed patch has no numbers; check the fabric tag instead.
Some new bags still have the creed patch with codes printed directly underneath.
Creed Patch with Code:
👉 In this example:
B2577 = Style number
CV981 = Material and color code
This is part of Coach’s newer numbering system, which no longer tells you the month or year, but does identify the exact style and material.
✅ Why Date Codes Matter
Authenticity → Fake bags often use random or incorrect codes
Dating Your Bag → Helps confirm production year for older models
Resale Value → Buyers want to know when and where their bag was made
❓ FAQ
Q: My Coach bag has no date code. Is it fake?
Not necessarily. Many small accessories and newer bags use only fabric tags instead of creed numbers.
Q: Can I use the code to find my bag’s style name?
Yes. The style number (like 56819) will usually pull up the exact model when searched online.
Q: Where can I find the code?
Older bags → stamped under the creed
Newer bags → on a small fabric tag along the lining
Coach date codes (and fabric tags) are a helpful tool to authenticate and identify your bag’s style and history.
At Curated Finds Co., every bag we sell is verified authentic and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity so you can shop with confidence.
👉 Browse our collection of Authentic Coach Bags today 👜✨
Disclaimer
Curated Finds Co. is an independent reseller and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official partner of Coach. All trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners.
This guide is for educational purposes only to help you feel more confident when shopping pre-loved.