Unusual Valuable Object

DE License Plates

I was in Lewes, Del., over Memorial Day weekend visiting relatives. I noticed that some people’s vehicles had plain black and white license plates containing only numbers, while others had larger Colonial blue and buff plates. I asked what the significance was between the styles. I learned that the black and white plates were the original plates of Delaware, our nation’s first state. The lower the plate number, the greater its value, especially if it is doesn’t contain a classification (ex. C, PC, etc.). They told me about a neighbor of theirs named Bob who has plate number 8. Intrigued, I asked if I could meet him. Bob, a kind old gentleman, enthusiastically showed me his license plate collection covering his garage walls. He told me that he had been collecting plates since he was 16 years old. He said the original Delaware plates were made out of porcelain and only registered plates are considered valuable. In 1935, the Delaware General Assembly reserved tag numbers 1, 2, and 3 for the governor, lieutenant governor, and the secretary of state. License plate numbers 4 and upwards were in general circulation. Because of its value, Bob’s number 8, C-class license plate on his truck is a duplicate called a “decoy”. Worth more than $125,000 (yep, six figures!), his original historic plate is proudly and safely displayed above his fireplace. He receives offers for the plate frequently, but has no plans to sell it.

Leave a Reply