Gucci has long been a name associated with luxury, artisanal skill, and Italian creativity. From the very beginning, founder Guccio Gucci made sure that every Gucci bag was clearly labeled, marking them as a part of this iconic brand. The brand’s label was its identity. Over the years, the way these labels looked changed. Fonts and formats evolved. In 1950, Gucci began using serial numbers for identifying its products.
It wasn’t until 1970 that Gucci serial numbers became a consistent part of all Gucci bags and purses. Today, checking a Gucci bag’s serial number is one of the easiest ways to determine its authenticity. In this blog, we’re going to talk about how you can verify your Gucci bag’s legitimacy using serial numbers.
A quick peek into the article:
If you’re someone looking to interpret a Gucci serial number or you want to check if your Gucci bag is authentic via the serial number, keep reading because we’re about to share everything we know about these secret codes.
What is a Gucci Serial Number?
Checking a Gucci serial number is an important detail that helps you verify if your bag is real. It’s not as unique as a fingerprint, but it provides useful information about the bag’s style and supplier. Unlike Louis Vuitton and Dior date codes, Gucci serial numbers don’t tell you the production year or when the bag was made. Rather, they tell you the style number and the factory code. A serial code consists of 10-13 digits in two sets of rows.
Read Similar Guide: Chanel Serial Number Check
Evolution of the Gucci Serial Number Font and Format
Over the years, Gucci serial numbers have gone through several changes before settling into the format we know today. Typically, a Gucci serial number is between 9 and 13 digits, and older vintage pieces may have numbers separated by dots and dashes.
The font used for these serial numbers has also evolved but it’s generally a serif style. When Tom Ford took over as Creative Director in 1994, things began to shift. The serial numbers began to appear in a two-line format.
From the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s, you would often see a top line of three digits followed by a dash or a dot, and then four more digits. Around this time, the font became more consistent, with noticeable changes to some numbers:
- The digits 1,4 and 7 developed small “feet” at the bottom.
- The zeros took on a more oval shape.
- The numbers 2 and 3 gained small curls in their forms.
By the mid-2000s, Gucci simplified the format even more. The dash and dot were removed, leaving two lines of 6 digits each, or sometimes a top line of 6 digits and a bottom line of four. This is true for bags and purses. If you want to check the Gucci serial number on a belt or wallet, it may feature a single line of numbers often separated by a dash.
Where Can I Find a Gucci Serial Number on my Bag?
The location of a Gucci serial number can vary based on the style and age of the bag but here are some common places to check:
- The leather tag inside the bag: In most modern Gucci bags, the serial number is stamped on the underside of a leather tag located inside the bag. This leather tag is usually a square or rectangular shape, and you can mostly find it sewn right near the top of the bag. It is never on the sides of the bag lining. The serial number is heat stamped into the underside of this leather tag in two rows.
- Directly embossed on the leather for small goods: for smaller items like wallets or cardholders, the serial number may be embossed directly on the leather, often near the card slots. It may be a single line of numbers with a dot in the middle, depending on the style.
- QR Code tags (2016 onwards): Since 2016, Gucci has been using QR codes for its bags along with the traditional serial number tag. These codes are usually printed on a fabric tag, usually folded or sewn into the lining of the bag.
Read Similar Guide: Prada Serial Number Check
How to Interpret a Gucci Serial Number?
Gucci serial numbers give you important information about your bag although they don’t tell you the exact year of production. Here’s how to understand what these numbers mean:
The first set of numbers is the Style Code. These 6 digits should match those that are on your receipt. These numbers help identify the specific model of your Gucci bag. The model numbers can change as the items change over the years.
The second set of numbers is the Supplier Code. The supplier code is like the batch number in the factory. This code can be the same for other Gucci bags that were made in the same batch or factory.
Things to remember:
- A serial number is not a “date code” like Louis Vuitton bags so it doesn’t tell you when the bag was made.
- Two Gucci bags can share the same serial number if they are the same model and from the same supplier.
- If the style code on your bag doesn’t match its model or the code on your receipt, it’s a good idea to get it authenticated.
How can I Check my Gucci Serial Number Online?
To verify the authenticity of your Gucci bag online, you can approach a few trusted sources that provide authentication services such as Dallas Designer Handbags which allow you to submit photos of your bag, even the serial numbers and expertly verify every single detail.
If you’re buying a pre-loved bag, Resale platforms like DDH have in-house authentication services that will check the Gucci serial number for you as part of the process.
You can also try entering the style code (the first row of numbers) from your serial number into a search engine. This will verify the bag model however isn’t a foolproof method to confirm authenticity online.
Read Informative Guide : How to Sell Gucci Handbags
FAQ,s About Gucci Serial Number and Authenticity
Do All Gucci Bags Have Serial Numbers?
If you’re looking for a vintage Gucci bag serial number, keep in mind that not all vintage bags have these codes. The rectangular leather serial number tag that we commonly see today started appearing in Gucci bags from the late 90’s onwards. For bags produced before the 1980s, serial numbers were not a constant part of the bag—instead, these older bags featured only the Gucci logo in cursive.
What is The Gucci QR Code and How Does It Work?
In addition to the traditional serial number codes, Gucci began introducing QR codes on its bags after 2016. These QR codes provide an extra layer of security and authenticity, making it easier for consumers to verify their purchases.
What Does the QR code Look Like?
The QR code is printed on a small black fabric tag, usually stitched inside the bag near a zipper or the top. Unlike regular QR codes, Gucci’s QR code is encrypted, which means it can’t be scanned by standard QR apps.
How to use the QR Code in Gucci Authentication?
Another way to check Gucci’s authenticity online is via these QR codes. To verify your bag using the Gucci QR code, follow these steps:
- Download or open the official Gucci app on your smartphone.
- Go to the “My Gucci” section and select the “Gucci Tag” option.
- Follow the app’s instructions and scan the QR code by placing your phone’s camera over the tag.
If the code is authentic, the Gucci app will confirm your bag’s authenticity and will give you additional product details such as care instructions or exclusive content related to your specific bag model.
Read Similar Guide: Fendi Serial Number Check
What are Gucci Controllato Cards?
All Gucci brand items must pass quality control after the manufacturing process and before they are sold. With the Gucci Controllato cards or authenticity cards, it is confirmed that the bags have passed this quality control.
Authentic controllato cards: they are white and prominently feature the Gucci logo. The word “controllato” is printed in lowercase. There are ten fights printed on the card.
In a real Vs fake Gucci Controllato card, pay close attention to the Gucci logo, spacing, and text alignment.
Conclusion: Mastering Gucci Bag Authentication
Gucci serial numbers are an essential tool in determining the authenticity of your luxury bag. From understanding their evolution to knowing where to find them and how to interpret them, every detail matters in protecting your investment. Modern touches like QR codes and Controllato cards add further layers of verification, ensuring that Gucci continues to uphold its legacy of craftsmanship and authenticity.
