License plates are fast becoming a hot collector’s item among enthusiasts and plates can date back to the early 1900s. Earlier plates had a porcelain finish or they were made of flat metal. By the 1920s plates were made of tin, steel or aluminum and printed on embossed metal plates. This method of printing plates has remained much of the same up to the present and in the late 70s early 80s plates began introducing reflective sheeting.
Many things are important when collecting plates. Color-origin-age-shape-condition-history. If you are searching for collector plates, you many find plates at your local junkyard or dump, flea markets, garage sales, online auctions, antique stores and swap meets. Another great resource of information about collector plates is the Automobile License Plate Collector’s Association (ALPCA) who are dedicated to the promotion of license plate collecting and research along with the exchange of information and plates as well as the fraternal benefits of sharing a common hobby interest with others throughout the world. There, you can find an online Grading Guide to determine the condition of a collector plate from Mint to Poor. To find out License Plate Values, there is a guide book which can be purchased online which is based upon the work and experience of Bob Crisler it has become an invaluable guide to collectors in establishing prices of collector plates.
