A ‘8’ — $2.3 Million
Sold at public auction in March 2025, South Australia’s single-digit ‘8’ became the most expensive plate ever sold in the state, fetching $2.3 million. Originally issued in 1906, the plate was long held by the Ayers family, descendants of former South Australian Premier Sir Henry Ayers. Proceeds from the sale went to Legacy SA/NT and the Returned & Services League (RSL), adding to its historical and civic weight.
The number 8 also holds significant cultural meaning in Chinese communities, where it is associated with wealth and prosperity. This contributed to strong international bidding — the final hour alone added more than $1 million to the sale price.
Source: ABC News • Premier SA
NSW ‘888’ — Estimated $400K–$500K (Private Sale)
The triple-8 plate changed hands in an off-market deal this year, reflecting continued demand for repeating numerics with cultural significance. In Chinese numerology, 888 signals triple fortune — a factor that has made it one of the most requested numeric combinations globally.
While the sale was not disclosed publicly, market observers estimate the price to be between $400,000 and $500,000, based on comparable historic transactions and limited availability.
Source: Yahoo Finance AU
QLD ‘1OFF’ — $182,000
Sold in Queensland’s March 2025 heritage auction, ‘1OFF’ is a textbook example of a modern collector plate: rare, clean, and irreverent. The appeal of this combination lies in its dual reading, as both “one of a kind” and as a cheeky automotive in-joke.
The winning bid of $182,000 positions it among the top non-numeric plates sold in Queensland this year, and reflects the broader trend of personality-driven collecting.
NSW ‘AI’ — $131,000
This ultra-short tech-forward combination was snapped up for $131,000 during a private listing in April. As generative AI reached mass awareness and headlines dominated by artificial intelligence firms, the timing couldn’t have been better.
Its appeal is less about history and more about relevance — the crossover of tech, scarcity and status made it a standout in the two-letter category.
VIC ‘4’ — $820,000
Victoria continues to lead the numeric resale market, and the 2025 transaction of VIC ‘4’ only reinforces that strength.
Sold for $820,000, this low-digit plate has been traded before, appreciating significantly with each resale. With VIC 1–3 largely held in legacy private collections, the sale of VIC ‘4’ gives other collectors rare access to the elite end of Victoria’s numeric hierarchy.
What These Sales Reveal — by the Pit Crew
Plates with one to three characters command the highest prices, especially from early state releases.
Numbers like 8, 6, 9 and 888 attract buyers where numerology influences purchasing behaviour.
Combinations like ‘1OFF’ and ‘AI’ tie to identity, humour and sector (tech, fashion).
Big deals often happen off-market, reducing transparency for new buyers.
Final Thoughts from the Pit Crew
If 2024 proved plate culture was maturing, 2025 has shown that it’s accelerating. 2026 is set to be a record year for sales.
We’re seeing buyers cross over from traditional collector segments into tech, crypto, property and prestige car spaces — and they’re bringing new tastes with them.
Plates aren’t just plates anymore. They’re signals. Assets. Sometimes even headlines.
How to Protect Your Plate for Life
- - Keep every document: Registration history, transfer receipts and hold confirmations.
- - Set calendar reminders: Never let your registration lapse unintentionally.
- - Transfer with care: Use formal plate transfer procedures, even between family members.
- - Use storage options: Most states allow you to place a plate in retention while between vehicles.
Pit Crew Tip
You may not technically “own” your plate forever, but with proper management, you can hold onto the rights for a lifetime and protect its value. Contact the Pit Crew for guidance.
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