Hermès bags are handmade, iconic and famously discreet, but one thing they never hide is their date stamp. This small code, pressed quietly into the leather, tells you when your bag was crafted. For anyone buying, selling or collecting Hermès, knowing how to read these stamps is essential.

At The Luxury Savvy, we authenticate Hermès pieces every day, so we’ve built a guide that’s accurate, easy to follow and actually interesting. No complicated jargon, just the real facts behind the codes.

 

What Exactly Is a Hermès Date Stamp?

A date stamp is a tiny letter (sometimes paired with a shape) that marks the year the bag was produced. Hermès introduced this system in 1945, and they’ve changed the format several times since. The stamp is usually tucked inside the bag, either directly on the leather or near the interior panel.

It’s one of the key details we check during an authentication because the code must match the bag’s leather type, model and hardware style for that year.

How the Hermès Date Stamp System Has Evolved

Hermès has moved through four different coding styles. Each one covers a specific era:

1. Standalone Letters (1945 to 1970)

 

The earliest stamps are simple single letters with no shape surrounding them.

Examples:

A = 1945

H = 1951

W = 1967

Z = 1970

These are some of the rarest pieces on the resale market.

2. Letters Inside a Circle (1971 to 1996)

From 1971, the letter appears inside a circle.

Examples:

A in a circle = 1971

R in a circle = 1988

Z in a circle = 1996

If your Kelly or Birkin is from the 80s or early 90s, it belongs to this period.

3. Letters Inside a Square (1997 to 2014)

In 1997, Hermès switched to a square around the letter.

Examples:

A in a square = 1997

L in a square = 2008

R in a square = 2014 ( R alone also means 2014) 

A lot of iconic, highly collectible colours and limited editions were created during this timeframe.

4. Modern Stamps with No Shape (2015 to Present)

Since 2015, Hermès has returned to the standalone letter, but this time it’s a cleaner, modernised version.

Examples:

T = 2015

X = 2016

C = 2018

Z = 2021

W = 2024

K = 2025

This system is still used today and is usually paired with extra artisan or workshop codes.

What About Blind Stamps and Craftsperson Codes?

Alongside the date stamp, most Hermès bags have additional markings known as blind stamps. These can include:

Letters

Numbers

A combination such as “AH”, “1”, “L1” etc.

These codes identify the specific workshop and artisan responsible for your bag. They don’t influence resale value, but they help confirm authenticity and trace the piece back to its production origin.

Where You’ll Find the Stamp

The location can vary, but common spots include:

 

Inside the main compartment

Behind the strap

Near the inner stitching line

Along the inside pocket

Inside the interior panel on newer pieces

Recent bags (2015 onward) often have softer, more discreet stamps to protect the leather, so they can be faint. 

Why Date Stamps Matter in 2025

Authenticity Checks

A correct date stamp helps confirm that the bag’s features match the year it claims to be from.

Setting a Fair Resale Price

Hermès pricing depends heavily on production year, condition and rarity. A stamp ensures correct valuation.

Understanding Your Bag’s History

For anyone who loves Hermès, the date stamp is part of the story. It shows when your piece entered the world and which period of craftsmanship it belongs to.

 

Last Thoughts

Hermès date stamps are small, but they carry a huge amount of information. Once you understand how the system works, you can navigate the Hermès market with much more confidence — whether you’re buying your first piece or adding to your collection.

At The Luxury Savvy, every Hermès item is authenticated with a full breakdown of its year, workshop markings and production details so you always know the exact history of your investment.

If you’d like to book an Hermès authentication with us, you can contact us here