This Rare South Australian License Plate Sold For A Mind-Blowing Price - Find Out How Much!
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The world of collectibles is vast and varied, with enthusiasts willing to pay top dollar for items that carry historical significance, rarity, or a touch of prestige. In the realm of automotive memorabilia, license plates might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but they can fetch staggering sums, as evidenced by a recent auction in South Australia.
A 'rare' license plate, simply adorned with the number '8', has just been sold for a price that would make even the most seasoned collectors' eyes water. This exclusive South Australian number plate, which first graced the bumpers of vehicles more than a century ago, was expected to attract significant attention at auction—and it did not disappoint.
The No. 8 plate, with its rich history dating back to 1906, was first issued to Arthur Earnest Ayers, the son of the prominent businessman and politician Sir Henry Ayers. Fast forward to today, and this piece of automotive history has been auctioned off on behalf of the South Australian government, fetching an eye-watering bid of $1.3 million.
With just over a day left on the sale at Slattery Auctions, the sought-after number plate had already racked up this impressive figure. The auction attracted more than 60 bidders since it opened to the public late last month, with a further 1630 viewers keeping a close eye on the proceedings.
Stewart Kay, an auctioneer at Historic Plates, remarked on the rarity and special nature of the plate. 'Number plates are a very historic connection back to 120 years ago when they were first issued,' Mr. Kay told 7News. He highlighted the 'triple threat' appeal of such plates: they enhance the look of any car, offer a great return as an investment, and come with a certain level of prestige.
Interest in number plates has surged since the early-2000s, according to Mr. Kay, and has outperformed other collectibles like vintage watches, cars, and even stocks. This isn't the first time a historic number plate has made headlines; earlier this year, a No. 1 number plate in NSW hit the auction block, with bids soaring over $10 million within the first 72 hours.
Other notable plates at Slattery Auctions included No. 55, which attracted a current bid of $226,000, and No. 873, which reached $150,100.
The sale of the No. 8 plate is a testament to the enduring appeal of unique and historic items. It's a reminder that for some, the value of an object is not just in its material worth but in its story and the status it confers.
For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, this might bring back memories of the days when license plates were more than just a registration requirement—they were a symbol of identity and pride for the vehicle owner. It's fascinating to see how these items have transitioned from practical use to coveted collector's items.
We'd love to hear from you in the comments below. Do you have any collectibles that have appreciated in value over the years? Or perhaps you have a story about a historic item passed down through your family? Share your experiences and thoughts on the world of collecting and the surprising value of everyday items turned treasures.
A 'rare' license plate, simply adorned with the number '8', has just been sold for a price that would make even the most seasoned collectors' eyes water. This exclusive South Australian number plate, which first graced the bumpers of vehicles more than a century ago, was expected to attract significant attention at auction—and it did not disappoint.
The No. 8 plate, with its rich history dating back to 1906, was first issued to Arthur Earnest Ayers, the son of the prominent businessman and politician Sir Henry Ayers. Fast forward to today, and this piece of automotive history has been auctioned off on behalf of the South Australian government, fetching an eye-watering bid of $1.3 million.
The number 8 plate has been auctioned. Credit: Slattery Auction / EzyPlates
With just over a day left on the sale at Slattery Auctions, the sought-after number plate had already racked up this impressive figure. The auction attracted more than 60 bidders since it opened to the public late last month, with a further 1630 viewers keeping a close eye on the proceedings.
Stewart Kay, an auctioneer at Historic Plates, remarked on the rarity and special nature of the plate. 'Number plates are a very historic connection back to 120 years ago when they were first issued,' Mr. Kay told 7News. He highlighted the 'triple threat' appeal of such plates: they enhance the look of any car, offer a great return as an investment, and come with a certain level of prestige.
Interest in number plates has surged since the early-2000s, according to Mr. Kay, and has outperformed other collectibles like vintage watches, cars, and even stocks. This isn't the first time a historic number plate has made headlines; earlier this year, a No. 1 number plate in NSW hit the auction block, with bids soaring over $10 million within the first 72 hours.
Other notable plates at Slattery Auctions included No. 55, which attracted a current bid of $226,000, and No. 873, which reached $150,100.
The sale of the No. 8 plate is a testament to the enduring appeal of unique and historic items. It's a reminder that for some, the value of an object is not just in its material worth but in its story and the status it confers.
For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, this might bring back memories of the days when license plates were more than just a registration requirement—they were a symbol of identity and pride for the vehicle owner. It's fascinating to see how these items have transitioned from practical use to coveted collector's items.
We'd love to hear from you in the comments below. Do you have any collectibles that have appreciated in value over the years? Or perhaps you have a story about a historic item passed down through your family? Share your experiences and thoughts on the world of collecting and the surprising value of everyday items turned treasures.
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