Louis Vuitton Value Guides: Date Codes, Authentication & What LV Bags Are Worth

Everything on this site about Louis Vuitton — date codes, authentication, and individual bag value guides — collected in one place. Whether you’re trying to read a date code, authenticate a bag, or figure out what a specific style is worth, start here.

Start here: date codes

Every Louis Vuitton bag made since about 1980 has a date code stamped inside — two letters identifying the country and factory, followed by four numbers encoding the date. Understanding the code is the foundation of LV authentication and dating.

Value guides by style

Current resale values, authentication tips, and what drives price up or down — for the most-collected LV styles on the secondhand market.

How LV authentication works

A plausible date code is not proof of authenticity — counterfeiters know the format. Authenticate the full bag: canvas alignment, heat stamp quality, zipper brand (Éclair or S-Lock, never YKK), stitching color and count, and vachetta leather. The date code guide covers the red flags in detail.


More LV style guides coming soon. Not affiliated with Louis Vuitton or LVMH.