The numbers and letters on personalized Zippo lighters indicate the date the lighter was made. The letter on the customized lighters is representative of the month A=January, B=February, C=March, etc. and the two digit number indicates the year 01 stands for 2001, 02 stands for 2002, 03 stands for 2003, etc.

What are the numbers on a Zippo?

After July 1986, Zippo began including a date code on all lighters showing the month and year of production. On the left of the underside was stamped a letter A–L, denoting the month (A = January, B = February, C = March, etc.). On the right was a Roman numeral which denoted the year, beginning with II in 1986.

How many holes should a Zippo have?

Standard case shape featuring rounded corners and top with a flat bottom. A five-barrel hinge joins the top and the bottom. Standard insert with 16 holes in the chimney (8 per side). Bottom stamp with Zippo logo from the period authenticates this lighter as genuine Zippo.