Those numbers aren't supposed to refer to vintages, but to historical years in the history of a cigar company or the country where it is made. Often it's the year the company was founded.
Nobody claims to have 100 year old tobacco. Only one company claims to have pre-Castro tobacco, and that's only 50 years old.
Some companies try to make sure their products are not sold below a certain minimum price, to guarantee profits for all its vendors. Vendors must promise not to undercut the price. Perhaps JR wouldn't agree to that.