In this week's Fake Files episode, I checked a Louis Vuitton Neverfull's date code, and it didn't make sense. The bag had a code reading April 2005, but the Neverfull wasn't released until 2007. Check out the episode below, then continue reading to learn more about:
- What a date code is
- How to find the date code on a Neverfull
- How to read a Louis Vuitton date code
1. What Is a Louis Vuitton Date Code?
A factory-stamped code Louis Vuitton uses to track where and when a bag was produced. In 2021, Louis Vuitton stopped using date codes, but they may occasionally still be seen in small leather goods (SLGs). This stamp is a dating identifier, not a guarantee of the bag's authenticity.
2. How to Find the Date Code on a Neverfull
When the Neverfull first came out, it was placed under the pocket, like in the video. Once Louis Vuitton revamped the design and tacked down the pocket, they moved the leather tab with the code behind the pocket, toward the right side.
If your Neverfull doesn't have a code, it may be because Louis Vuitton switched to internal microchips instead of date codes after 2021.
3. How to Read a Louis Vuitton Date Code
Most Louis Vuitton leather goods have 2 letters + 4 digits. However, before the 1980s, Louis Vuitton didn't use date codes at all. Once they introduced them in the 1980s, it was common to see codes with 3-4 numbers starting with 8, followed by 2 letters.
- Letters = factory location code
- Digits:
-
1980s: Year + Month (first two digits are the year, followed by the month)
- Example: 853 - 1985, March // 8912 - 1989, December
- 1990–2006: Month + Year
-
2007–2021: Week + Year
-
1980s: Year + Month (first two digits are the year, followed by the month)
Let's break down the code SP0045
Louis Vuitton date codes don't read left to right — the digits are interleaved, meaning you skip around to pull the month/week and year apart. Here's how SP0045 breaks down using the 1990–2006 format (2 letters + 4 digits, month + year):
| Position | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digit | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 |
| Represents | Month | Year | Month | Year |
- 1st + 3rd digits = month → 0 + 4 = 04 (April)
- 2nd + 4th digits = year → 0 + 5 = 05 (2005)
SP = France (factory code) → SP0045 = April 2005, France
In this case, the code SP0045 translates to April 2005. Because the Neverfull wasn't released until 2007, this bag is fake. Remember: just because a bag has a date code doesn't mean it's authentic. And just because it doesn't have one doesn't mean it's fake.
And that’s exactly why authentication goes beyond simply looking for a date code. If you’re questioning a luxury item or simply want peace of mind before you buy, sell, or consign, I’m here to help.
