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The secret code that even experts sometimes ignore

You have a Louis Vuitton and you're wondering if it's authentic? The data code is your secret weapon. Since 1982, every authentic bag carries this mysterious code that reveals everything: exact age, manufacturing location, specific workshop. At bam luxury store, we decode these codes every day.

The problem? Most people don't know how to read them. Get ready to become an expert.

Why the data code changes everything in authentication

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4 periods, 4 different systems

1982-1986: 3-4 digits only

1987-1989: Digits + 2 country letters

1990-2006: 2 letters + 4 digits (month system)

2007-2021: 2 letters + 4 digits (week system) 

2021-today : Puce RFID

Decode your data code: step-by-step guide

Decoding table by period

period format date decoding location decoding example result
1982-1986 3-4 digits First 2 = month. Last 2 = year No location code 8304 March 1984
1987-1989 Digits + 2 letters First 2 = month. Last 2 = year Letters = country 8901FL January 1989, france
1990-2006 2 letters + 4 digits 1st + 3rd = month. 2nd + 4th = year Letters = workshop SP0025 May 2002, france
2007-2021 2 letters + 4 digits 1st + 3rd = week. 2nd + 4th = year Letters = workshop AR1125 12th week 2015, france


Concrete example: "AR1125"

Step 1: Identify the period

  • Format 2 letters + 4 digits = post-2007

Step 2: Decode the location

  • AR = france (workshop AR)

Step 3: Decode the date 

  • 1st digit (1) + 3rd digit (2) = 12th week
  • 2nd digit (1) + 4th digit (5) = 2015

Result: Made in France, 12th week of 2015 (end of march)

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Manufacturing codes: the 5 authorized countries

Complete table of codes by country

country available codes number of workshops production
🇫🇷 france A0, A1, A2, AA, AAS, AH, AN, AR, AS, BA, BJ, BU, DR, DU, CO, CT, ET, FL, LW, MB, MI, NO, RA, RI, SD, SF, SL, SN, SP, SR, TH, TJ, TN, TR, TS, VI, VX 36 workshops Main producer
🇪🇸 spain CA, LO, LB, LM, LW 5 workshops Leather & canvas
🇮🇹 italy BC, BO, CE, FO, MA, RC, RE, SA, TD 9 workshops Fine leather goods
🇺🇸 united states FC, FH, LA, OS, SD 5 workshops Local market
🇨🇭 switzerland DI, FA 2 workshops Limited editions

Most common french codes

code region specialty frequency
AR île-de-france Iconic bags ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
FL fiesso d'artico Leather goods ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SP saint-pourçain Monogram canvas ⭐⭐⭐⭐
VI vendée Epi leather ⭐⭐⭐
DR ducey Small leather goods ⭐⭐⭐

Our observation: French codes dominate because it's the historical birthplace. If you see a code from another country, verify the temporal consistency.

How we authenticate at bam luxury store

Our ENTRUPY technology analyzes:

  • Stamping quality - depth, sharpness, font
  • Temporal consistency - did the model exist at this date?
  • Materials - leather, canvas, hardware according to era
  • Finishes - stitching, alignments, details

Result: 99.1% accuracy on Louis Vuitton authentication.

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Investment value: why age matters

Pre-1990 vintage pieces: Confirmed collector value Limited editions: Crucial traceability for resale Iconic models: Age authenticates provenance

Our advice: Invest in expertise. A well-decoded data code protects your investment.

Why mastering data codes changes everything

This isn't just authentication - it's Louis Vuitton culture. Knowing your bag's history, its workshop, its period... That's owning a piece of heritage.

At bam luxury store, we don't just sell bags. We transmit authenticated stories.

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Decode Louis Vuitton excellence!