Finding Collectible Virginia License Plates on eBay
Collectible Virginia license plates can be appealing if you are a collector of old or vintage license plates, a collector of Virginia historical memorabilia, or an automotive enthusiast who enjoys collecting automobile memorabilia. Understanding the age and relative value of different Virginia license plates will help you with your search on eBay. Several factors contribute to the value of different collectible Virginia license plates.
Identifying the oldest collectible Virginia collectible license platesThe first year that Virginia began issuing license plates for cars was 1906. These license plates are rare and hard to find due to the small number that were issued since automobiles were just beginning to enter usage across the United States and were mostly purchased by wealthy individuals. The features seen on the oldest Virginia license plates for sale include:
- Black porcelain with white numbers and letters
- Left side of the plate featured the license plate number, up to a four-digit number
- Right side of the plate featured the abbreviation VA followed by a period
- This design used from 1906-1909
Over time, the materials used to make vintage Virginia license plates have evolved and changed. Materials used over the years include:
- Black porcelain with white paint
- Porcelain coated steel
- Embossed steel
During WWII, when metal shortages were common, Virginia used both aluminum as well as an embossed soybean-based plate.
Understanding antique/vintage plates versus plates issued for antique carsAs in many states, Virginia license plates for sale that are from the earliest years of issuance are considered antique plates due to their age and history. However, Virginia also offers license plates for antique cars; generally speaking, the vehicle must be 25 years old or older in order to qualify for a state-issued antique car license plate. The license plate for antique cars is a yellow plate with the word ‘Virginia’ at the top border and the word ‘Antique’ at the bottom border with an license plate number in the center.
Determining the value of collectible Virginia license platesSeveral factors contribute to the value of a collectible Virginia license plate, including:
- Age or year of issuance - The older the plate is, the higher value it will fetch at sale or as a collectible item.
- Population of the area in which the plate was issued - For Virginia license plates issued in areas where the population was lower, expect to have a higher value due to the fewer number of plates issued overall in that area.
- Condition - As with many collectibles, the better the condition of the license plate, the higher the overall value.