How to Read Your Hermès Date Stamp: The Ultimate Privé Porter Guide
When it comes to collecting Hermès, knowledge is power. Whether you’re hunting for your first Birkin or adding a rare Kelly to your portfolio, knowing your bag’s production year can make all the difference in verifying authenticity, assessing value, and understanding its place in Hermès history.
At Privé Porter, we’ve created a clean, easy-to-read Hermès Date Stamp Chart so you can quickly decode your bag’s year of origin—without having to dig through forums or outdated sources.
What is a Hermès Date Stamp?
Every authentic Hermès bag has a discreet date stamp, hand-applied by the artisan who crafted it. These stamps use a letter (sometimes enclosed in a shape) to indicate the year of production. Think of it as the Hermès equivalent of a serial number—but far more charming.
Over the decades, Hermès has changed the way they present these stamps:
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1964–1970: Single letters without shapes.
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1971–1996: Letters inside a circle.
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1997–2014: Letters inside a square.
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2015–present: Return to single letters with no shape.
Our chart puts it all in one place, so you can match the stamp on your bag to its exact year. This is followed by the rest of the serial number that is unique to each bag.
Why Date Stamps Matter for Collectors
For serious collectors and investors, date stamps aren’t just trivia—they’re essential. Here’s why:
1. Authenticity Verification
Counterfeit bags often use incorrect or impossible date stamps. Knowing the correct letter/year combination helps confirm you’re buying a genuine piece.
2. Investment Tracking
Production year can influence market value. Certain years, colors, and leathers are more sought after—especially if they mark the introduction or discontinuation of a rare style.
3. Historical Context
A 1999 Birkin in classic Box Calf leather carries a different collector appeal than a 2023 limited-edition Swift. Date stamps give your bag context in the larger Hermès timeline.
How to Find Your Bag’s Date Stamp
Hermès date stamps are usually located:
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Birkins: Inside the bag, near the back panel, under the flap.
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Kellys: On the interior panel or strap, depending on year.
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Constance & Other Styles: On the strap, inside pocket, or along the inner edge.
Pro tip: Later stamps can be tiny and discreet—use a magnifying glass and good lighting.
Privé Porter: Your Partner in Expert Authentication
When you shop with Privé Porter, every Hermès piece is pre-verified for authenticity, including a thorough date stamp inspection. Our team tracks not only the production year but also the provenance, condition, and rarity of every bag we sell.
From a 1980s Doblis suede Kelly to a store-fresh 2024 Birkin in the season’s hottest color, we source the rarest, most investment-worthy pieces—so you never have to guess.
Explore Our Hermès Date Stamp Chart
Our updated chart is now live—print it, save it, and keep it handy for your next purchase or authentication check.
Because when it comes to Hermès, every letter tells a story—and at Privé Porter, we make sure yours is authentic.