How can I tell if a vintage Coach bag is authentic?

Look at the creed patch—real ones have thin, slightly uneven font with a “No.” before the style number, and tighter kerning. Count stitches: genuine bags have about 9–10 neat stitches per inch. Feel the leather—it should be thick, slightly pebbled, and smell like leather, not chemicals. Hardware should be brass or nickel with a natural patina, and zippers usually say “YKK” without a cheap stamped logo.