Authenticate This COACH - **see first post for format**

[Vlad]

IMPORTANT READ-ME

Please post authenticity questions related to COACH in this thread. No PMs please.
For further information, please refer to the first post on page 1 of this thread.

Please follow the following requests:

• Before you submit a request for authentication, please search this thread to make sure that the item has not previously been authenticated by searching the seller ID and/or item number. This is not a thread to ask general questions about COACH, please refer to our main Coach forum for such information.
• Note that authenticators have the right to refuse any requests. This is a free service, but it is imperative that you help our authenticators by using the following format:
• FOR ITEMS LISTED ONLINE:
  Item:
  Listing number:
  Seller and site where listed
  Link:
  Comments:
  
  
• FOR ITEMS NOT LISTED ONLINE:
  Item:
  Where purchased or how obtained
  Comments:

BASIC PICTURES REQUIRED (but more may be requested): If necessary pictures are in the listing, it's not necessary to upload and duplicate them.

• Front of item
• Back of item
• Full clear and legible creed text and serial number
• Made in tags (when available)
• Measurements
• For bags with turnlock closures, show pictures of back of female side of turnlock
• For bags with magnetic snaps, show pictures of the male part of the snap so that the numbers and letters on it can be read
• If applicable, search interior of bag and/or pockets for small white tag with production information and include a picture of that.

Thank you and be safe!

 

[Hyacinth]

Item: Patricias Legacy J4C-9951
Listing number:
Seller: GW online
Link:
Comments: A bag a coworker bought from GW online and has received, I don't have a link or listing number. I am curious about it, I read the guides and saw 9951's are faked a lot. I searched TPF for fakes to compare, but the links led to dead listings or listings that no longer had pictures. Newbie question, is there a way to see these for future reference?
View attachment 4383772 View attachment 4383777 View attachment 4383778 View attachment 4383779 View attachment 4383780
Thank you!

No, dead links can't be resurrected, most of them led to auction listings, especially Ebay auctions, and once those are removed even Google eventually loses track of them. Older tPF photos can disappear too with forum changes and upgrades.

Yours, however, can stay, which is both good news and bad news since it's fake. Style 9951 IS often faked and this is one of those times.The serial number font and details are wrong for any bag with production codes (the first part of the serial number) that indicate it was made in the "C" plant in September 1994, which is the case with this one. Genuine bags made in exactly the same plant, month and year usually but not always should have the same details in their creeds and serial numbers. Because there can be differences, ALL Coach items should be authenticated by experts. That's us. A lot more information about creeds and serial numbers can be found in the Salearea Guides, you'll find the link at the top of this forum's Index page, or here.
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/salearea-guides.983575/#post-32252957
Anyone involved with buying, selling or collecting Coach bags needs to read them, and often.

Here's what a genuine Coach with those same serial number production codes should look like, except for differences in the style number. Even the words and formatting of the one you asked about are wrong, tell your friend to take or send it back to Goodwill and insist on a full refund. Selling fakes is against the law and that includes fakes sold by "non-profits" whether knowingly or unknowingly.

 

[picklejuice]

No, dead links can't be resurrected, most of them led to auction listings, especially Ebay auctions, and once those are removed even Google eventually loses track of them. Older tPF photos can disappear too with forum changes and upgrades.

Yours, however, can stay, which is both good news and bad news since it's fake. Style 9951 IS often faked and this is one of those times.The serial number font and details are wrong for any bag with production codes (the first part of the serial number) that indicate it was made in the "C" plant in September 1994, which is the case with this one. Genuine bags made in exactly the same plant, month and year usually but not always should have the same details in their creeds and serial numbers. Because there can be differences, ALL Coach items should be authenticated by experts. That's us. A lot more information about creeds and serial numbers can be found in the Salearea Guides, you'll find the link at the top of this forum's Index page, or here.
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/salearea-guides.983575/#post-32252957
Anyone involved with buying, selling or collecting Coach bags needs to read them, and often.

Here's what a genuine Coach with those same serial number production codes should look like, except for differences in the style number. Even the words and formatting of the one you asked about are wrong:

View attachment 4383797

Lol I'm glad my post will live on!
Thank you for such a detailed reply, you all are so kind to do this. I keep referring to the guides trying to learn and test myself with items posted here, there is so much information in them its a bit overwhelming! But, I guess that explains why the leather on the bag seemed sort of plastic-y and the leather that covers the raw edge of the strap seemed really thin. Lesson learned to always check here, thanks again!

 

[kithrobyn]

This is an odd one. Goodwill says there is no serial number. Does this look like a style that anyone knows? And does it have a serial number/creed? I have this weird fascination with kisslock bags so this really appeals to me. Thank you.

Item:
Coach Women's Black Handbag Purse
Listing number:
Seller: Goodwill Online
Link: https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Item/65512685
Comments:

 

[whateve]

Lol I'm glad my post will live on!
Thank you for such a detailed reply, you all are so kind to do this. I keep referring to the guides trying to learn and test myself with items posted here, there is so much information in them its a bit overwhelming! But, I guess that explains why the leather on the bag seemed sort of plastic-y and the leather that covers the raw edge of the strap seemed really thin. Lesson learned to always check here, thanks again!

Goodwill has a no fakes policy. Your co-worker should insist upon getting her money back.

 

[whateve]

This is an odd one. Goodwill says there is no serial number. Does this look like a style that anyone knows? And does it have a serial number/creed? I have this weird fascination with kisslock bags so this really appeals to me. Thank you.

Item:
Coach Women's Black Handbag Purse
Listing number:
Seller: Goodwill Online
Link: https://www.shopgoodwill.com/Item/65512685
Comments:

If authentic, it is probably a Madison Gathered Twisted Leather Carrie. I believe it should have a creed. The original version of this style had both a creed and number. There might have been later versions made for factory that had a creed without a number. In that case, the number is probably on a label inside a pocket. The creed should be inside the kisslock section. If there is none there, I would stay away.

 

[picklejuice]

Goodwill has a no fakes policy. Your co-worker should insist upon getting her money back.

Absolutely! She's not on TPF but Ive passed along a link to the post. Thank you!

 

[kithrobyn]

If authentic, it is probably a Madison Gathered Twisted Leather Carrie. I believe it should have a creed. The original version of this style had both a creed and number. There might have been later versions made for factory that had a creed without a number. In that case, the number is probably on a label inside a pocket. The creed should be inside the kisslock section. If there is none there, I would stay away.

Thank you, appreciate all that you guys do for us

 

[Lake Effect]

Genuine bags made in exactly the same plant, month and year usually but not always should have the same details in their creeds and serial numbers. Because there can be differences, ALL Coach items should be authenticated by experts. That's us. A lot more information about creeds and serial numbers can be found in the Salearea Guides, you'll find the link at the top of this forum's Index page, or here.
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/salearea-guides.983575/#post-32252957
Anyone involved with buying, selling or collecting Coach bags needs to read them, and often.

View attachment 4383797

This post is more for newcomers and lurkers, in that my biggest surprise in doing some serious searching for vintage Coach a few years ago was that the counterfeiters got good at using legit month, year, plant and style codes. I had learned 15 years ago that if a code said Made in Korea or NT-xxxx it was fake. And there are just a few bags that scream fake on appearance alone. They’re easy to spot. But over time, as seen, the illegal trade had a few sources that got their act together.
If anyone reads the above guides, that are being updated by the dedicated authenticators, one can sort out a number of convincing fakes based on that alone. I wish sellers would read it!
And I have used the search feature here many times on this thread for the month-year-plant sequence to get an idea of potential fakes too.

 

[mzarzano]

Please authenticate:

Vintage Coach Legacy Flap Companion #9076 Bone Off White
Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Coach-Legacy-Flap-Companion-9076-Bone-Off-White/254167879338?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Seller: consarin

Vtg Coach Ivory White Leather Companion Bag Turnlock Flap Crossbody 9620 USA Euc
Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-Coach-Ivory-White-Leather-Companion-Bag-Turnlock-Flap-Crossbody-9620-USA-Euc/192852927338?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Seller: tanniej0283

Coach 9145 VINTAGE Legacy Companion Flap Crossbody MAHOGANY Purse EUC!
Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Coach-9145-VINTAGE-Legacy-Companion-Flap-Crossbody-MAHOGANY-Purse-EUC/264071436789?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Seller: pettiford248

Vintage 1960s Bonnie Cashin Designed Coach Leather Shopper Purse No 318 3320
Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-19...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Seller: jpg_n_jimi

As always, many thanks!

 

[Hyacinth]

This post is more for newcomers and lurkers, in that my biggest surprise in doing some serious searching for vintage Coach a few years ago was that the counterfeiters got good at using legit month, year, plant and style codes. I had learned 15 years ago that if a code said Made in Korea or NT-xxxx it was fake. And there are just a few bags that scream fake on appearance alone. They’re easy to spot. But over time, as seen, the illegal trade had a few sources that got their act together.
If anyone reads the above guides, that are being updated by the dedicated authenticators, one can sort out a number of convincing fakes based on that alone. I wish sellers would read it!
And I have used the search feature here many times on this thread for the month-year-plant sequence to get an idea of potential fakes too.

Exactly. The Salearea Guides are meant to help everyone spot fakes and problem bags more easily, but they're not claiming to be an "authenticity guide" because as I've pointed out, there are no simple one or two or three details thas can ever prove a bag is GENUINE, although something as simple as the wrong font or production code in a serial number stamp can often prove that a bag is fake. Proving something's authentic is a lot more complicated process and can involve everything from comparing creed and serial number fonts and details to known genuine bags, to (as often has to be done with newer bags made in the last decade) meticulously comparing tiny details that require accurate photos or actual examples of genuine bags. Reading some of the authentication discussions in this thread can show some of the steps we have to go through to come up with answers.

The Guides tend to concentrate on older styles because that's what I'm most comfortable with and that's also where most of the misinformation exists. Even now just searching the 'net for any kind of information on Coach authenticity brings up such a cesspool of mistakes, outdated information and just plain lies and BS that anyone depending on the info they find on the Net is going to be confused and probably make some expensive mistakes. Fifteen years ago even some experienced Coach sellers on Ebay's forums insisted that they only based their opinions of a bag's authenticity on things like stitching - details and comparisons of things like creeds and serial numbers weren't even considered. Writing the Guides was done to try and help clear up a lot of very bad information, especially about things like the danger of relying on anything that claimed to be an "authenticity guide" and especially on the most dangerous lie of all, that having a YKK zipper could prove that a "Coach" was genuine.

Because of the increase of "superfakes" of newer styles and the total shyte-fest of what Coach has done in the last five years to destroy not just the utility but even the existance of stamped (and even accurate!) serial numbers, I leave those styles to authenticators much more experienced and with more resources than me. Every Coach, recent or vintage, has to be authenticated based on each bag's individual details, but the newer Foaches defy any attempt to bring order to the chaos, and probably to anyone's attempt to make some of the problems and red flags clearer as I tried to do with the Salearea Guides. If they've helped their readers who enjoy older and classic Coaches avoid fakes, I'm happy.

 

[BeenBurned]

Please authenticate:

Vintage Coach Legacy Flap Companion #9076 Bone Off White
Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Coach-Legacy-Flap-Companion-9076-Bone-Off-White/254167879338?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Seller: consarin

Vtg Coach Ivory White Leather Companion Bag Turnlock Flap Crossbody 9620 USA Euc
Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-Coach-Ivory-White-Leather-Companion-Bag-Turnlock-Flap-Crossbody-9620-USA-Euc/192852927338?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Seller: tanniej0283

Coach 9145 VINTAGE Legacy Companion Flap Crossbody MAHOGANY Purse EUC!
Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Coach-9145-VINTAGE-Legacy-Companion-Flap-Crossbody-MAHOGANY-Purse-EUC/264071436789?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Seller: pettiford248

Vintage 1960s Bonnie Cashin Designed Coach Leather Shopper Purse No 318 3320
Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1960s-Bonnie-Cashin-Designed-Coach-Leather-Shopper-Purse-No-318-3320/143186268648?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Seller: jpg_n_jimi

As always, many thanks!

All are okay.

 

[Hyacinth]

Please authenticate:

Vintage Coach Legacy Flap Companion #9076 Bone Off White
Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Coach-Legacy-Flap-Companion-9076-Bone-Off-White/254167879338?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Seller: consarin

Vtg Coach Ivory White Leather Companion Bag Turnlock Flap Crossbody 9620 USA Euc
Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-Coach-Ivory-White-Leather-Companion-Bag-Turnlock-Flap-Crossbody-9620-USA-Euc/192852927338?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Seller: tanniej0283


Coach 9145 VINTAGE Legacy Companion Flap Crossbody MAHOGANY Purse EUC!
Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Coach-9145-VINTAGE-Legacy-Companion-Flap-Crossbody-MAHOGANY-Purse-EUC/264071436789?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Seller: pettiford248

Vintage 1960s Bonnie Cashin Designed Coach Leather Shopper Purse No 318 3320
Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1960s-Bonnie-Cashin-Designed-Coach-Leather-Shopper-Purse-No-318-3320/143186268648?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Seller: jpg_n_jimi

As always, many thanks!

All are genuine, but the last is NOT from the 1960s OR made during Bonnie Cashin's time at Coach. I can't speak to whether or not Cashin did the original design but that particular bag was made at least 5 years (and probably more) after she ended her connection with Coach in 1974.

ETA - It may be a remake of a Cashin Dinky Tote but it's one of the Dinky Totes that was (re)introduced and redesigned in 1983. Cashin-era bags wouldn't have had serial numbers. The original Cashin Dinky also had different handle attachments. So the earliest it could possibly be is late 1982-early 1983.

At least 75 percent of Coach bag listings using the name Cashin have either no connection at all, or a very tenuous one, with BC. A purist like me would probably consider using the Cashin name to describe a bag that wasn't made during her partnership with Coach as Deceptive Advertising.

 

[DL Harper]

I beg you to please advise your friend against auctioning/selling those 2 bags. Not only is it illegal to sell fakes (yes, even if it's a charity and even if you admit they're fake), but selling them keeps them in circulation and eventually, someone will own those bags and not know that they're fake, illegal and will be ripped off.

Totally agree and understand the bag will continue to be circulated if sold as fake or authentic. But I'm curious. How does one get rid of fake Coach bags (or any fake)? If donated, that keeps the bag in circulation and the bag may eventually come here for authentication. Trash/landfill?

 

[BeenBurned]

Totally agree and understand the bag will continue to be circulated if sold as fake or authentic. But I'm curious. How does one get rid of fake Coach bags (or any fake)? If donated, that keeps the bag in circulation and the bag may eventually come here for authentication. Trash/landfill?

This is what I told the poster in a private message but I think the suggestions are helpful for all.

While I don't like filling landfills unnecessarily, that's one way to keep the fakes from circulating.

Other options are removing the creed and hang tags from the fakes and donating the bags as long as there are no "Coach" markings and it's a generic bag.

Use the junk bags for storage in the house or shed. You can put cleaning supplies in them to carry from room to room.

And an unusual and interesting suggestion has been to use the fake bags as planters in your yard. You can fill them with dirt, insert a plant and hang them from a fence. It's a conversation piece!

And what I would do if I'd purchased fakes would be to go back and demand a refund. It's illegal to have sold those fakes and they should take them back and at least offer to credit toward another purchase.

 

[whateve]

Totally agree and understand the bag will continue to be circulated if sold as fake or authentic. But I'm curious. How does one get rid of fake Coach bags (or any fake)? If donated, that keeps the bag in circulation and the bag may eventually come here for authentication. Trash/landfill?

You can remove or obliterate any Coach markings and then use, donate or sell as generic. Often that means cutting out the pocket with the creed. You can use for your own personal use. You can cut them up and use for parts.