1) Supply is permanently limited
There are only 999 possible true 3-digit plates per state. That’s fewer than the number of Ferraris on the road in Sydney. And unlike cars, states rarely reissue or create new 3-digit plates. Rarity is baked in.
2) Heritage is on the rise
As numeric plates shift from novelty to collectable, their appeal grows, particularly among younger buyers entering the market. For many, 3-digit plates represent a status symbol without the million-dollar price tag of a single or double-digit plate.
3) They flex without screaming
3-digit plates strike a balance: they’re noticeable, desirable, and often carry implied prestige, but they don’t scream for attention like customised names might. For executives, car enthusiasts, and old-money types, they signal taste.
4) Auctions are driving price discovery
Recent results speak for themselves:
- VIC 888.888 sold for $272,000
- VIC 123.456 sold for $363,000 in 2024
- NSW 540 sold for $123,000
Each high-profile auction normalises the idea of numeric plates as long-term investments.
5) They're becoming digital collectables
In an age where people invest in NFTs and digital assets, physical assets like plates, with both utility and collectability, are seen as smart, tangible investments. You can drive it and trade it.
Thinking of selling your plate?
Marketplates makes it easy to list and verify your plate, connect with serious buyers, and capture real value securely and transparently.
