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Swingle 06-04-2025 09:31 AM

Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

1 Attachment(s)
This is one that the others here from Wisconsin will understand.


The state of Wisconsin issues collector plates for vehicles 20 years and older, sequentially numbered. The collector plate number issued is for all your collector vehicles, they will add the letter "A" for a second vehicle, and go through the alphabet for each one needed.


The license plate numbers are currently in the 6-digits, a lot of the vehicle collectors like to have the lower numbers, as it shows that they have been in the hobby for a long time. My dad has 3-digits, mine is 2-digits, I know people that have a single-digit collector plates.


The state of Wisconsin does not re-issue the numbers on their own, they do not keep track of if the plate is still being used or not, we do not have to pay for yearly tags on collector plates. When a collector dies, or gets out of the hobby, the plate usually gets discarded.


What we can do in Wisconsin is give or sell our collector plate number to another person, and they can then transfer that number over to their car, the state charges $75 to do this. This is not illegal, it is legit.


Have a friend that has her dad's Wisconsin Collector plate number, 4-digits - 1*9* (obscuring some of the digits), and she would like to sell the plate, and donate the money raised to help support a Wisconsin event.


Question for my fellow Wisconsin'ites out there - what do you think a low numbered 4-digit Wisconsin collector plate is worth?

ronn 06-04-2025 03:46 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

truthfully.................not that much.

Charlie Stephens 06-04-2025 04:19 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

Please place your ad in the correct location to you don't clutter up the general discussion section!

Charlie Stephens

400A 06-04-2025 04:34 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

I would agree. If it were a single or two digit plate perhaps someone would step up. But a four digit isn't that exciting.

Ruth 06-04-2025 04:49 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens (Post 2393081)
Please place your ad in the correct location to you don't clutter up the general discussion section!

Charlie Stephens

Was that an ad or was he asking a question of what the plate was worth. Not the first time someone asked an items worth.

I actually found the post interesting. I did not know they had Wisconsin collector plates.

WTSHNN 06-04-2025 05:25 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

The number will dictate value. Sounds stupid but with a 4 digit it is what it is. Is the number 1990? Someone with a '90 Mustang might pay good money for it. Is it 1493? Probably not as desirable.

At a cruise night in Chicago last week I saw a '69 camaro with a legit Illinois antique vehicle plate number 1969. He had a type of security screw on it I have never seen before which tells me he paid a lot for it.

You would get better valuations posting this in a Wisconsin-centric car collector group or a license plate collector group. If you're on Facebook they both exist over there.

-Tim

Mike Paul 06-04-2025 06:11 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

I may be interested. Mine are in the 4000’s

Swingle 06-04-2025 07:12 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

I am looking for feedback on what others may think they are worth. Not posting for sale yet.

JayJay 06-04-2025 07:15 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

FWIW, in California we have collector plates (actually, “historical vehicle” plates) that come with no fees but are quite restricted on how much driving you can do and in what circumstances. We also have “Year of Manufacture” plates, which in my opinion are more desirable. YOM plates that are not street legal because that number is already in use (e.g., another YOM plate, or perhaps a motorcycle for the 1930’s number pattern) go for $50/pr or so. YOM plates that are DMV clear can go for $300-$500/pr or up depending on condition.

Randy in ca 06-04-2025 11:20 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

There's a low 3 digit one now on eBay now for $140 - better snap it up!!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/355868301827

Swingle 06-04-2025 11:24 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy in ca (Post 2393157)
There's a low 3 digit one now on eBay now for $140 - better snap it up!!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/355868301827


Don't know what type of plate that is... our collector plates are blue and do not have month or tags on them.

Randy in ca 06-04-2025 11:52 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swingle (Post 2393158)
Don't know what type of plate that is... our collector plates are blue and do not have month or tags on them.


Here's another - 3 digits & a letter for $25

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236067298015

ronn 06-05-2025 06:25 AM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

low digit plates in DE bring very good money- but you can run a plate forever on any car, once youve bought it and they are porcelain.


In Wisconsin, like most states, I dont think the saleability is that great.
Population also is a plus or minus. Wisconsin has around 6 million residence.


In DE only 1 million.

stevemclark 06-06-2025 02:09 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

In Virginia an antique vehicle ,25 years or older can have a Virginia tag before the last year tag they issued yearly registered to that antique vehicle.You must have 2 matching tags,in good shape, see my Avatar. In Va. in 1930 the tags were to be black with silver numbers. They could not get the silver paint in time but there was an Allis Chalmers tractor plant near the state capital ,Richmond that they bought orange paint from.The plates I bought at a Car show in 1980 were a bit rusty,where would I find the correct orange paint? I was in an Advance store and they had tractor spray paint ,Burnt Orange Allis Chalmers. It matched the color on the tag perfectly. I have a Va. registration card to match the numbers.

ModelA29 06-07-2025 11:16 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

3 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by JayJay (Post 2393118)
FWIW, in California we have collector plates (actually, “historical vehicle” plates) that come with no fees but are quite restricted on how much driving you can do and in what circumstances. We also have “Year of Manufacture” plates, which in my opinion are more desirable. YOM plates that are not street legal because that number is already in use (e.g., another YOM plate, or perhaps a motorcycle for the 1930’s number pattern) go for $50/pr or so. YOM plates that are DMV clear can go for $300-$500/pr or up depending on condition.

CA Historical and Horseless Carriage plates do carry a reduced registration fee and do have restrictions - limited mileage and to/from club events or shows. Personal plates and YOM plates (you must have both plates) each carry an extra $40 per year fee.
I've got 1929 YOM plates on our Coupe and I was glad the guy I bought our 28 Tudor from transferred "his" personal plates to me. My T Board track racer had horseless carriage plates. I never got stopped driving it around - even though no windshield, muffler, headlights, etc. The cops would just smile and give a thumbs up.

stevemclark 06-08-2025 05:56 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

This is a little off but it is so vague you might get a kick out of it,Va. laws on antique tags; Virginia Code, Section 46.2-730, limits use of antique vehicles, trailers, motorcycles and autocycles registered with antique or vintage plates to the
participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, parades and similar events and to carrying or transporting passengers, personal effects and other antique
vehicles for show purposes. They may also be used on Virginia highways to test vehicle/trailer operation, obtaining maintenance or repairs and/or to sell
the vehicle or trailer. Antique and vintage plates permit occasional pleasure driving (not to exceed 250 miles from the owner's residence) but are not to be
used for general transportation purposes, including but not limited to, daily travel to and from the owner's place of employment..

Ayers1 06-08-2025 08:13 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevemclark (Post 2393795)
This is a little off but it is so vague you might get a kick out of it,Va. laws on antique tags; Virginia Code, Section 46.2-730, limits use of antique vehicles, trailers, motorcycles and autocycles registered with antique or vintage plates to the
participation in club activities, exhibits, tours, parades and similar events and to carrying or transporting passengers, personal effects and other antique
vehicles for show purposes. They may also be used on Virginia highways to test vehicle/trailer operation, obtaining maintenance or repairs and/or to sell
the vehicle or trailer. Antique and vintage plates permit occasional pleasure driving (not to exceed 250 miles from the owner's residence) but are not to be
used for general transportation purposes, including but not limited to, daily travel to and from the owner's place of employment..

Yeah, it is basically "pleasure driving". As long as you're not hauling something in your antique truck it's rare you get stopped for driving it too much. At least from what I've seen.

JayJay 06-08-2025 10:21 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayers1 (Post 2393819)
Yeah, it is basically "pleasure driving". As long as you're not hauling something in your antique truck it's rare you get stopped for driving it too much. At least from what I've seen.

Well, at least here in the People's Republic of California, that's not a bet I'd take. And I'd be much more concerned about an insurance company trying to use "driving too much" as an excuse for denying coverage in the event of an at-fault accident.

That language looks suspiciously like what accompanies "classic car" insurance driving restrictions. I recall at least one insurance company using the specific example "going out for ice cream" to define pleasure driving. That would be interesting to see in a state Vehicle Code.

Ayers1 06-08-2025 10:27 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

Jay-Jay, that's why I like Haggerty, the policy I have pretty much covers everything except driving to work. Since I'm retired, I don't have an issue with that!

Bruce of MN 06-09-2025 04:05 AM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

Regarding that Virginia 250 mile restriction, it is 326 miles from here at the top of the state to Bristol at the Tennessee border. I think that whoever made the rule didn't get out much.

ModelA29 06-10-2025 01:41 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce of MN (Post 2393861)
Regarding that Virginia 250 mile restriction, it is 326 miles from here at the top of the state to Bristol at the Tennessee border. I think that whoever made the rule didn't get out much.

Or couldn't imagine someone subjecting themselves to driving a car without power steering/brakes and AC more than 20 miles at a time.



CA rules: The $2 license fee will save you $64 - the total cost for a $10,000 1928 car is $249. 21.120 Historical Vehicle and Horseless Carriage License Plates (VC §5004)

Permanent special identification plates may be issued to vehicles of historic value and interest. Vehicles assigned Horseless Carriage or Historical Vehicle License Plates are limited to operation or movement over the highway primarily for the purpose of historical exhibition or other similar, noncommercial purposes, such as parades or historic vehicle club activities, and are subject to a fixed annual vehicle license fee (VLF) of $2. Historical Vehicle and Horseless Carriage License Plates are not available as personalized plates.

nkaminar 06-11-2025 07:51 AM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

I can see why YOM plates would be a problem for Virginia. I crossed a toll bridge there and expected to pay at the toll booth. No toll both but a camera that records the license plate (tag) and sends you a bill. My 1930 YOM North Carolina plate is apparently not in their computer because I never got the bill.

Benson 06-11-2025 11:36 AM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

Some states DONOT allow painting or restoring collector plates.

Some have spent big bucks restoring plates only to find that the DMV will not accept them!

nkaminar 06-11-2025 01:03 PM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

You just have to bury then for a few months and then dig them up. Presto, unrestored plates.

ronn 06-12-2025 05:12 AM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

You just have to bury then for a few months and then dig them up. Presto, unrestored plates.
where theres a will- there is ALWAYS a way!

JayJay 06-12-2025 09:29 AM

Re: Selling a low-numbered Wisconsin Collector Plate
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkaminar (Post 2394303)
You just have to bury then for a few months and then dig them up. Presto, unrestored plates.

Or - register the car at DMV with the unrestored plates, THEN clean/restore them before you install them on the car. Or find another DMV office.


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