Originally Posted by HyacinthI can't quite read it in the photo - it's the second digit. If it's a 9 that would be 1999. Post 34 in the Answers To Authenticity Questions Thread tells you how to read a Coach serial number with bags made in 1994 or later.
Please remember, for a bag to have been made in 1994 or later, the serial number has to start with a letter of the alphabet. All the other digits can be all numbers OR a mix of numbers and letters. But any serial that's ALL numbers is from before 1994 and won't have either the manufacturing and date codes OR the style number of the bag in the number. The older ones are just a string or random numbers with no significance.
Thanks for that additional information; I've been learning so much. Speaking of older style bags/ serial numbers, I keep seeing this rounded, flap over bag with a buckle fastener in "vintage" listings. I'm wondering whether or not this is an legitimate, older style bag or not. It's usually described as a saddle bag (but based on what I've researched around the forums, I'm feeling that the name is inaccurate): http://www.ebay.com/itm/160655639574?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Also, I completely agree with the above comments from you and noshoepolish about the stripe tote seller. I already deleted the listing; she did email me back with another the further explanation that she's at work and has had problems sending photos recently. It's not worth the chance.
