How to Read Hermes Stamp: The Ultimate Guide by Maison Vivienne

If you’re investing in a Hermes handbag, knowing how to read Hermes stamp is essential.
The Hermes stamp reveals the bag’s authenticity, production year, and even the artisan who crafted it — making it a key detail for collectors and buyers alike.

At Maison Vivienne, we specialise in authenticated Hermes handbags, and we believe understanding the Hermes stamp helps every collector buy with confidence.

How to Read Hermes Stamp: What It Tells You

The Hermes stamp, embossed into the leather, identifies where and when a piece was made. When learning how to read Hermes stamp, focus on three main details: location, font, and depth.

Stamp Location

On Hermes handbags like the Birkin or Kelly, the stamp is typically found on the interior leather tab or inside the bag’s flap.
For other Hermes items, such as scarves or accessories, the stamp may be discreetly placed near the hem or along the inner lining.

If the placement looks inconsistent or careless, it’s worth verifying authenticity through a trusted reseller like Maison Vivienne.

Font and Spacing

Hermes is renowned for precision. The font used in its stamp is clean, sharp, and evenly spaced.
Counterfeit items often have irregular letters or uneven spacing. When examining how to read Hermes stamp, check that the embossing is perfectly aligned and the letters are crisp — never printed or blurred.

Stamp Color and Depth

An authentic Hermes stamp is deeply embossed, not printed on the surface.
The color usually matches the leather — for example, a black leather Hermes Kelly should have a black or blind-embossed stamp.
Shallow, faint, or misaligned embossing can indicate a replica.

How to Read Hermes Stamp: Understanding the Date Code

Since 1945, Hermes has included date codes alongside the stamp to indicate production year.
Learning how to read Hermes stamp also means recognising these codes.

• Early codes (pre-2015): A single letter inside a geometric shape (e.g., “T in a square”) represents the year.

• Recent codes (post-2015): Two letters without a shape represent the production period.

For example:

• “Y” = 2020

• “U” = 2022

Why This Knowledge Matters

Understanding how to read Hermes stamp allows collectors to:

• Verify authenticity before purchase.

• Confirm production year and artisan.

• Preserve resale value by knowing the item’s origin.

At Maison Vivienne, every Hermes bag is independently authenticated and verified, with the stamp and date code confirmed by experts before sale.

Maison Vivienne: Trusted Reseller of Authenticated Hermes Bags

As a trusted reseller of vintage luxury, Maison Vivienne curates verified Hermes handbags, including Kelly, Birkin, and Constance models.
Each piece is independently certified, offering clients full transparency and provenance.

When you buy from Maison Vivienne, you’re not only acquiring an authentic Hermes piece — you’re investing in heritage, craftsmanship, and peace of mind.

Explore our Hermes Collection here

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Explore our heritage features and brand spotlights:

• Chanel — timeless Parisian elegance and craftsmanship

• Dior — the essence of haute couture femininity

• Hermès — unrivalled French artisanship and leather mastery

• Yves Saint Laurent — bold design with enduring influence

• Louis Vuitton — icons of travel and refinement

Maison Vivienne is a trusted reseller of authentic vintage luxury handbags, jewellery, and accessories. Each item includes an independent third-party authenticity certificate and a scannable QR code so you can verify authenticity before purchase. Learn more on our Authenticity Guarantee page.