An authentic COACH bag has great stitching: All stitches are uniform - be it double stitches or single stitches. Inconsistent thin stitching indicates a fake COACH handbag.
double stitches on the Alex Coated Op Art Baby Bag
Serial Number
The serial number is embossed into leather tag: Most COACH bags are tagged with a serial number. It is stamped on a rectangular patch of leather sewn into the lining inside the bag.
The serial number typically consists of a series of numbers or a number-and-letter combination. The last 4-5 digits of the serial number indicate the style number of the bag:
The last five digits on the pink leather tag of the Peyton Signature Sateen Carryall indicates 14507
The last five digits on the pink leather tag of the Poppy Sparkle Leather Pocket Hobo indicates 14555
But having a serial number does not prove that the bag is authentic.
If the numbers are not stamped (i.e. embossed on the leather tag) but is simply printed in ink, it might be a fake. The only bags with inked numbers belong to the COACH Legacy (embossed and lettered in gold).
Note that some smaller purses (the "clutch," the "swingpack" and the "mini") do not have a serial number.
History: Bags from the late 1960's did not have any serial number. Coach added serial numbers in the 1970's - each bag had a unique number - a "serial number". This was apparently true through the 1980's, and it was not until the 1990's that Coach introduced the modern "registration format" of letters and numbers, with the last four digits indicating the style number of the bag - or, in the late 2000's, the last five digits.
Fixtures
This is rather irregular: The "COACH" logo should be stamped on most of the metal hardware although some of the newer range do not have it (the Legacy bags). To be on the safe side, get a photo of the authentic product and compare it with the seller's.
Fixture on the Signature Ottoman Brooke
Fixture on the Peyton Signature Sateen Carryall
All authentic COACH handbags are lined, with only one exception - The Coach Classic. Leaving the lining out of a bag is an easy way to cut costs when manufacturing a fake bag.
If the outside of the bag has the "C" pattern, the lining will NOT have any pattern.
If the outside of the bag DOES NOT have the "C" pattern, the lining MAY have the "C" pattern. Most of the times neither the outside nor the inside will have the "C" pattern.
However, COACH bags will not have the "C" pattern on the outside AND the lining - this is a sure sign of a fake bag.
Julia Canvas Op Art Logo Tote
COACH Logo
All Coach "C" logos on the outside of the bag should be symmetrical, especially at the seams. The "C" should not be severed or sewn into a seam.
Symmetrical "C" logo on the Julia Op Art Tote
"C" is not sewn into a seam on the Madison Op Art Carryall
Made in China
Most COACH bags are made in China. Some are made in Turkey. However, COACH does NOT make bags in Korea or Thailand.
Madison Embossed Exotic Tessa Satchel
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