Hermès Date Stamps
Full list of Hermès Date Stamps Since 1945
| T2015 | X2016 | A2017 | C2018 | D2019 | Y2020 | Z2021 | U2022 | B2023 | W2024 | K2025 |
| A1997 | B1998 | C1999 | D2000 | E2001 | F2002 |
| G2003 | H2004 | I2005 | J2006 | K2007 | L2008 |
| M2009 | N2010 | O2011 | P2012 | Q2013 | R2014 |
| A1971 | B1972 | C1973 | D1974 | E1975 | F1976 |
| G1977 | H1978 | I1979 | J1980 | K1981 | L1982 |
| M1983 | N1984 | O1985 | P1986 | Q1987 | R1988 |
| S1989 | T1990 | U1991 | V1992 | W1993 | X1994 |
| Y1995 | Z1996 |
| A1945 | B1946 | C1947 | D1948 | E1949 | F1950 |
| G1951 | H1952 | I1953 | J1954 | K1955 | L1956 |
| M1957 | N1958 | O1959 | P1960 | Q1961 | R1962 |
| S1963 | T1964 | U1965 | V1966 | W1967 | X1968 |
| Y1969 | Z1970 |
Why Check a Date Stamp
Authenticating a Hermès bag can be challenging, especially with so many high-quality counterfeits in circulation. Unlike brands like Chanel, Hermès does not provide certificates of authenticity, making internal markers like date stamps crucial in confirming a bag’s legitimacy.
One such identifier is the Hermès date stamp, a code discreetly embossed into the leather that indicates when and by whom the bag was made. While the date stamp alone is not definitive proof of authenticity, it’s a valuable part of the verification process.
Expert Tip: Always purchase from a trusted Hermès reseller. At Lilac Blue London, we have years of experience spotting genuine Hermès handbags and would be happy to advise you.
What is Hermès Date Stamp and Where Is It Found?
Each Hermès bag includes a blind stamp, typically featuring:
- Year of manufacture
- A symbol or code that identifies the artisan
Hermès Exotic Leather & Custom Symbols
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| □ | Alligator |
| •• | Crocodile Niloticus |
| ^ | Crocodile Porosus |
| – | Varanus Niloticus Lizard |
| = | Varanus Salvator Lizard |
| Custom or Special Order (SO) | |
| Craftsman's Personal Product |
Understanding the evolution of Hermès date stamps
The format of the date stamp has changed several times since its introduction in 1945. Here’s a breakdown:
Hermès Date Stamps Over the Years
| Years | Format |
|---|---|
| 1945–1970 | Single letter (no shape) |
| 1971–1996 | Letter in a circle (◯) |
| 1997–2014 | Letter in a square (▢) |
| 2015–Present | Letter with no shape, often inside the bag near the flap |
Understanding this helps you estimate when a bag was made, which is especially helpful for vintage collectors or when evaluating pre-loved bags.
Where to find the date stamp
Older models: On the reverse side of the strap behind the plaque.
Newer models (from ~2015 onward): Inside the bag, usually near the left side of the interior flap
Need Help Identifying a Date Stamp?
If you’re uncertain about a stamp or want support with authentication, reach out to the Lilac Blue London team:
Hermès Expertise Since 2002
Over 20 years of experience in sourcing, authenticating and valuing Hermès bags.