Hi Louie,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This license plate was issued for Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration on January 21, 1985 (the 50th Presidential Inauguration since George Washington in 1789). The plate shows "VIP 1," which would have been a special designation for a Very Important Person attending or involved in inaugural events. These were not regular DMV-issued license plates but rather souvenir or temporary inaugural plates often given to dignitaries, VIPs, or sold as collectibles during inaugural festivities. They could sometimes be displayed on vehicles during the inaugural parade or related events, but not as permanent, legal plates. I have not been able to find a reliable source to identify how many of these were made but guess there would have been at least 500 and would not be surprised if 1,000 or more were made.

Inaugural license plates are a known collectible category, especially those from milestone inaugurations like the 50th. Other license plates from this particularly inauguration that have sold at auction (not eBay) have brought fair-market prices ranging from $100-200; they were originally sold in pairs (one for the front of the car, one for the back) so if you have just the one the value will likely be closer to $100 than $200.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage 1985 Presidential Inaugural commemorative license plate
pressed and painted metal
6-1/8 by 12-1/8 inches
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition with minimal use wear.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 100-200*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia