From ‘1OFF’ to ‘888’: Inside the Biggest Recent Plate Sales

SA ‘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.

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.

Do I Own a Plate for Life?

It’s a common question among personalised plate owners — especially those holding rare or high-value combinations.

The answer? It depends on where you live, and how you manage your rights.

Understanding Plate Ownership in Australia

In most states, you don’t technically “own” the physical number plate outright — you hold the right to display it.

This right is granted and governed by your state’s transport authority. It can be revoked if the plate is not maintained correctly, and in some jurisdictions (like New South Wales), it is considered a licence, not a piece of personal property.

This distinction matters, especially for plates that are worth tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. If your plate is tied to a vehicle, left unregistered, or sold incorrectly, you could lose it.

How Long Can You Keep Your Plates?

With the correct paperwork and registration management, you can hold onto a plate for life — and in many cases, pass it down to future generations. But several factors affect whether those rights are preserved:

1. Keeping your registration current
2. If you let your registration lapse for too long, usually more than 12 months — your rights may be forfeited.
3. Separating plate rights from your vehicle
4. Many plate owners mistakenly transfer or dispose of their plate when selling a car. Rights should be formally separated and retained if the plate is not meant to go with the vehicle.
5. Maintaining proper documentation
6. Transfer certificates, registration history, and proof of retention are all critical to demonstrating ownership if ever challenged.

Are Plates a Legitimate Investment?

Yes, and increasingly so.

• Single-digit plates often trade in the million-dollar range (e.g. VIC ‘1’, QLD ‘Q1’)
• Repeating numerics (e.g. 888, 1111) are highly sought-after in cultural markets
• Word and character combinations gain value as they align with trends, names or industries

In short, the Pit Crew’s tip is plate ownership isn’t just a vanity statement, it’s a recognised asset class.

How to Protect Your Plate for Life

1. Keep every document: Registration history, transfer receipts and hold confirmations
2. Set calendar reminders: Never let your registration lapse unintentionally
3. Transfer with care: Use formal plate transfer procedures, even between family members
4. Use storage options: Most states allow you to place a plate in retention while between vehicles