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* * * PLATE HISTORY LINKS * * * Plate types have been linked to various pages
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PLATE HISTORY - GENERAL ISSUE PLATES N to Z |
Plate Type (year first issued) Description / History |
Image |
Comments, what's needed? |
National Guard (1930-35 & 1984 to present) | ||
1930, blue on yellow, 1 to 1000 flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on left, 1930 stacked on right, NAT'L GUARD along bottom. Plates measure 6" by 12". Tags were assigned in order of military rank. |
from ebay from Worthpoint |
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1931, yellow on blue, 1 to 1000 flanked by keystones, 1931 stacked on left, PENNA stacked on right, NAT'L GUARD along bottom. Plates measure 6" by 12".
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from Eric Tanner |
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1932, blue on yellow, 1 to 1000 flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on left, 1932 stacked on right, NAT'L GUARD along bottom. Plates measure 6" by 12". |
from Larry Noble |
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1933, yellow on blue, 1 to 1000 flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on left, 1933 stacked on right, NAT'L GUARD along bottom. Plates measure 6" by 12". |
from Worthpoint |
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1934, blue on yellow, 1 to 1000 flanked by keystones, 1934 stacked on left, PENNA stacked on right, NAT'L GUARD along bottom. Plates measure 6" by 12". |
from Jeff Francis |
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1935, yellow on blue, 1 to 1000 flanked by keystones, 1935 stacked on left, PENNA stacked on right, NAT'L GUARD along bottom. Plates measure 6" by 12". The upper two plates are the pair grouped together. The single 506 plate is one plate by itself.
Sample
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from Clayton Moore Sample from John Willard |
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After 1935 there were no National Guard plates issued until 1984.
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1984, yellow on blue base, N/G0001 to N/G2499, sticker well lower left. Note use of 2 embossed logos. Plates measure 6" by 12".
Sample
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from Drewski Sample
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2000, www base, N/G2500 to current high, sticker well upper left. NOTE: In 2000 when this series was replaced, those with NG0001 through NG0020 from the previous issue had the option to keep the same number on the new plates, while all others got new plate numbers starting at NG2500. No plates from that 1 to 20 series have been documented. Plates measure 6" by 12".
Sample
To Highs Page |
Sample
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Official Use (1924 to the present) |
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It appears that Official plates were first introduced as early as 1924. The 1924 and '25 plates used the format described below. The remainder of the early plates thru 1935 followed the format shown in the 1926 and '27 plates shown below. In 1936 the format changed slightly and the plate legend became Official Use Only. In 1938 the format changed again with the appearance of the map outline and a return to Official as the legend. At least from 1940 to 1956 no plates had the term Official on them but there was a reserved block of numbers from the standard passenger series. In 1957 the legend again became Official Use Only. Plates were undated and had Pennsylvania within the top border. This series was used until 1965 or 66. |
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1924, 0-S to 000-S, blue on yellow, serial number with a dash separator, the letter S identifies it as a state-owned vehicle. PENNA 1924 along the bottom with keystones in the left and right corners. Plates measure 6" x 10" and 6" x 12" depending on the number of characters. Eric Tanner, found an article in the Altoona Mirror of December 13, 1923, describing all of the new code letters for 1924 types: "The numerals on state-owned cars are followed by the letter "S"." |
6-inch by 10-inch plate from Jeff Lesher 6-inch by 12-inch plate from Eric Tanner |
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1925, 0-S to 000-S, yellow on blue, serial number with a dash separator, the letter S identifies it as a state-owned vehicle. PENNA 1924 along the bottom with keystones in the left and right corners. This plates measure 6" x 12", unknown if other sizes were used. |
from Jeff Lesher |
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1926, blue on yellow, serial number, PENNA stacked on left, 1926 stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom, flanked by small keystones. According to the eBay seller, ultrararecollectables, who gave me permission to use the #1 image, it was used by Governor Gifford Pinchot, and the plate was a gift from the Governor to his grandfather who was the caretaker of Grey Towers in Milford, PA at the time. His father received the plate when he passed and the current owner in turn when he passed. There is no further provenance available at this time. Grey Towers in Milford, PA was the home of Gov. Pinchot. No plates this far back in history have been documented with the word Governor, so it is entirely possible that the earliest plates, with a legend, used the term Official prior to the use of the word Governor. Pinchot served as Governor from 1923 to '27 and from 1931 to '35. For now this plate will be cross listed with Governor plates. Plate appears to measure 6" x 12". |
from ultrararecollectables from eBay |
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1927, yellow on blue, serial number flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on left, 1927 stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom. Plate appears to measure 6" x 12". |
from Clayton Moore |
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1928, blue on yellow, serial number flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on left, 1928 stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom. Plate appears to measure 6" x 12". |
unknown source |
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1929, yellow on blue, serial number flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on left, 1929 stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom. Plate appears to measure 6" x 12". |
from Jeff Francis |
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1930, blue on yellow, serial number flanked by 2 keystones unless plate is 4-digit in which case the right keystone is dropped, PENNA stacked on left, 1930 stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom. Plate appears to measure 6" x 12". |
from Worthpoint from Eric Conner |
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1931, yellow on blue, serial number flanked by keystones, 1927 stacked on left, PENNA stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom. Plate appears to measure 6" x 12". NOTE: The #9 pair are aluminum, the PENNA and 1931 are reversed. There were a small number of passenger plates on aluminum, unknown if these were test plates or issued plates. |
Aluminum plate from Jeff Lesher from Eric Tanner |
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1932, blue on yellow, serial number flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on left, 1932 stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom. Plate appears to measure 6" x 12". |
from Sarge/Klassy Karz |
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1933, yellow on blue, serial number flanked by 2 keystones, unless plate is 4-digit in which case the right keystone is dropped, PENNA stacked on left, 1933 stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom. Plate appears to measure 6" x 12". |
from Sarge/Klassy Karz
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1934, blue on yellow, serial number flanked by keystones unless plate is 4-digit in which the right keystone is dropped, 1934 stacked on left, PENNA stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom. Plate appears to measure 6" x 12". |
Boyertown Auto Museum via Tim Gierschick |
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1935, yellow on blue, serial number flanked by 2 keystones, unless plate is 4-digit in which the right keystone is dropped, 1935 stacked on left, PENNA stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom. Sample - 000
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from Eric Conner Sample from John Willard |
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1936, blue on yellow, serial number flanked on the left by a keystone stacked over PA, and on the right by a keystone stacked over 36, OFFICIAL USE ONLY along bottom, wide format appears to be 6" by 15", the serial number series is believed to run from 31-001 and 32-000. The numerical sequence appears to come from the passenger series. |
from John Anshant |
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1937, yellow on blue, map outline, PA OFFICIAL 37 is the legend below top border. The serial number appears to be part of a reserve block of numbers from the passenger series. Plate is 6" by 12". |
from Clayton Moore |
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1938, blue on yellow, map outline, PA OFFICIAL 38 is the legend below top border. The serial number appears to be part of a reserve block of numbers from the passenger series. Plate is 6" by 12". Sample - 00000 |
from Clayton Moore Sample from Paul Bagnarol |
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Plates from 1939 thru 1955 were from a reserved number block of passenger plates and therefore had no distinguishing features to identify them as Official plates. All plates consisted of 5-digit serial numbers. See http://www.statetrooperplates.com/pennsylvania.html for a partial listing with images of these plates. | ||
1956 to 1965, map outline border. Plates were undated yellow on blue. Plate legend was Official Use Only. Pennsylvania is embossed in top border. There were three issues. Early issue (3290) was on steel with early wide dies. Next plate (4322) was on steel with '57 dies. Bottom plates (7772, 7823 & 8038) were on aluminum and use '57 dies. Number range at least to 9006.. Format 1: Steel with early wide dies Format 2: Steel with '57 dies Format 3: Aluminum with '57 dies |
Format 1 from Norm Ratcliff Format 2 from Clayton Moore Format 3 from Klassy Karz from Kyle Kuser |
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1965 to '67, map outline border.
Plates were blue on yellow. Plate legend was Official Use Only below
top border. Pennsylvania was embossed within top border. Serial
numbers began at PA-1000 to PA-9999, then 1000-PA to 9999-PA. Format 1: PA-1000 to PA-9999 Format 2: 1000-PA to PA-9999 |
Format 1 from Eric Conner Format 2 Image needed
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1968 to '71, used a smaller map outline border to allow an additional digit. Plates were blue on yellow. Plate legend was Official Use along top border. Pennsylvania was embossed above bottom border. A sticker well with an embossed border was located on the lower left, with a permanent sticker. Serial numbers began at PA-10000. Some had the etched 68 in the sticker well, and others used a black on red PA over a black state map over permanent. |
from Eric Conner |
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1971 to '77, embossed border. Plates were yellow on blue. Plate legend was Official Use along top border. Pennsylvania was embossed above bottom border. Serial numbers began at PA-10000 and extends to PA-37165. |
from Worthpoint Samples from Eric Conner |
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1977 to 1984 but still valid. Plates were blue on reflective white. Plate legend was Pennsylvania along top border. Official Use was embossed above bottom border. Format 1: Plates from PA-10000 to PA-2999 were issued in pairs to passenger vehicles. Format 2: Plates from PA-30000 to PA-55999 were issued as single to commercial vehicles
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Format 1 Format 2 from Eric Conner |
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1985 to 2009, PA-60000 to PA-99999, reflective white on blue, PENNSYLVANIA on top, OFFICIAL USE on top, issued 1985 until early 2009. Issued to commercial or truck type vehicles as single plates. |
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1985 to present, 10000-PA , reflective white on blue, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, OFFICIAL USE on top, first issue date uncertain, to present. Issued to passenger vehicles in pairs. |
from Chuck Harrington from Tom Perri Sample Unknown |
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2009 - 2010, PA-0000A to PA-1499A, white on blue, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, OFFICIAL USE on top. This is a continuation of the 1985 to 2009 commercial or truck type plates. Issued to commercial vehicles as single plates. | ||
2010 - 2011, PA-1500A to PA-2499A. Note the use of COMMERCIAL as the plate legend in place of OFFICIAL USE. Issued to commercial or truck type vehicles as single plates. |
from Tom Perri |
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2011 to 2018, PA-2500A to PA-1499B. Note the dropping of the word COMMERCIAL and return to using OFFICIAL USE. Issued to commercial or truck type vehicles as single plates. | ||
2018, PA-1500B . Added 7/15/2018. PA-2215B or below. New graphic base for commercial vehicles. State agencies will have the option of using their own logo in place of the coat of arms shown here. PennDOT and PA Turnpike have opted for their own plates.
To Highs Page |
anonymous |
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Bus plates were first introduced in 1924. Prior to that buses were registered as commercial vehicles. It should be noted that the term omnibus has been associated with buses and bus plates since 1924 when the first bus plates were issued, some plates used the 'O' prefix; however no plates used the plate legend omnibus until this series was introduced around 1974. |
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1974, OB-10000 to between OB-24604 and OB-26297 blue on yellow base, sticker wells upper left & right, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, OMNIBUS on bottom, validated with stickers thru 2000. |
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1984, continuation of serial progression from previous base, from between OB-24605 and OB-26298 to between OB-49201 and OB-49999, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, OMNIBUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, validated thru 2000.
Bus/Omnibus registration credential indicates that Omnibus plates were issued at least as high as OB-49201. Plates were not necessarily issued in order. |
from Clayton Moore |
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2000, beginning 4/16/2000, OB-50000 to OB-58999, on www base, dash separator, sticker well upper left, tag line OMNIBUS on bottom, font uses a sans serif I. |
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From OB-59000 to OB-60999, series uses the serif I on tag line. Other formatting same as 2000 version. Sample |
Sample
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From OB-61000 to OB-63999, series uses the sans serif I on tag line. Other formatting same as 2000 version. |
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From OB-64000 to OB-68999, uses the serif I on tag line. Other formatting same as 2000 version. |
from Nick Tsilakis |
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5/2006, OB-69000 to OB-86799, on visitPA base, keystone separator, tag line font on this type uses a serif I.
Sample |
Sample
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8/2017, OB-86800 to OB-87699 on visitPA base, keystone separator, tag line font on this type uses a serif I. No sticker well. |
from Tom Perri |
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6/2019
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OB-88200 to current high, on visitPA base, keystone separator, tag line font
on this type uses a serif I. Now with map outline. To Highs Page |
from Bruce Bufalini |
Permanent Trailer (1997 to present) |
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VERSION 1, 1997: PT-00000 to at least PT-31616 (actual high unconfirmed), yellow on blue base, PERM-TRAILER on top, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no validation stickers used, valid thru changeover in 4/2001. Sample
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VERSION 2, 2001: First issued 4/16/2001, PT-0000A to PT-9999K, on www base, PERM-TRAILER on bottom. Sample
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from Jim Moini Sample
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VERSION 3, 2007: PT-0000L to PT-9999Z, first seen 3/2007, then PT-000A0 to ~PT-499D9, first seen 5/2015 on visitPA base base, keystone separator. Sticker well upper left, no sticker issued. |
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VERSION 4, 2017: ~PT-500D0
on visitPA base base,
keystone separator. The sticker well has been removed and the state
map outline put in its place. First seen 8/2017. To Highs Page |
from Preston Turner |
Person with Disability, Motorcycle (late 1990s?) |
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This was part of the Motorcycle series with the only known distinction being the presence of Handicapped or Person with Disability sticker on the plate. These were first seen on 1977 base plates, but the stickers may not have been issued until the late 1990s. | ||
1977 Base, undated, issued thru '85, revalidated thru 2000, unknown when sticker was added, possibly in the 1990s. |
from Clayton Moore |
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1985 Base, undated, issued thru 2002, revalidated thru '02 |
Image needed
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2001 Base, undated, revalidated thru present |
from Clayton Moore |
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2007 Person with Disability, P00A, the PD and wheelchair symbol which are flat screened are not part of the registration number. The embossed P is part of the number but is a static, non-advancing character. Type added 11/15/07, plates available 12/21/07.
To Highs Page |
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Press Photographer (1956 to present) |
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From the PA state archives On February 10, 1956, Governor George M. Leader signed the Press Photograph License Plate Bill along with Secretary Gleason, Pat Cahill, Paul Vathis and Tom Leask. This enabled the issuing of Press Photograph License Plates beginning 1956. Chuck Harrington also indicated that during Governor Leader's tenure (1/55 - 1/59) legislation was passed to make the Press Photographer plates part of the vehicle code. A Press Photographer prototype with a silk screened PP inside the keystone was made as a test on the '58 base. Plate type always issued in pairs. There are also reports of early unofficial plates using the PP-prefix dating back to 1948. |
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Pre-1956 PP-prefix plates? Unofficial and unconfirmed plate. No provenance; however plates with identical numbers were issued in 1957 and 1958. Of course this could just be coincidence.
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from Edward Lipski |
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VERSION 1: 1956, first year Press Photographer plates were sanctioned. |
from John Anshant from eBay |
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VERSION 2: 1957 |
from John Anshant Mini Keychain tag (Disabled Vet) from Jerry McCoy from eBay |
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VERSION 3: 1958 thru 1963 |
from John Anshant |
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VERSION 4: Suburban, 1960 thru 1963 Used on station wagons.
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Jake Eckenrode collection via John Anshant from John Willard |
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VERSION 5: 1963 - 1964 |
from John Anshant from eBay |
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VERSION 6: 1965 thru 1970 |
from Jordan Irazabal at Tim Gierschick's show, owner unknown from John Anshant |
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VERSION 7: 1971 thru 1976 |
from Mike Sells from Ed Coghill |
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VERSION 8: 1977 base, could be renewed thru 2001 unless replaced by a later base. |
from Chuck Harrington from Chuck Harrington |
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VERSION 9: Error plates. For those who had the 77 base and wished to update to the 85 yellow on blue base, plates were issued with PP + the large keystone + the number, however, the formatting of these plates was in error. Most of these plates were recalled. Information from Chuck Harrington. |
from Chuck Harrington from Chuck Harrington |
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VERSION 10: This is the corrected formatting for the plates above. Note the use of the PP within the keystone. Information from Chuck Harrington. |
from Chuck Harrington from Matt Ciecka |
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VERSION 11: This formatting with Pennsylvania on the bottom is what identifies this plate as a different version, however, Press Photographer plates traditionally started at PP10 and never progressed beyond the a 3-digit number. This plate, and another below, shows a departure form the norm. No other plates are known to exist with such a low number. Theses plate may have been a favor or special request. Information from Chuck Harrington. |
from Sol Bress from Alec Hussey |
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VERSION 12: Beginning 6/11/2000 replacement by number, to current high. |
from Sol Bress from Nick Santiago |
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VERSION 13: Beginning at about
PP800, on visitPA base, 7/2014. To Highs Page |
from Ryan Battin |
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VERSION 14: Personalized, up to 3 characters with PP prefix. |
from Joe Pavlo from Drew Steitz |
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VERSION 15: Plates with small map outline in place of sticker well. Personalized, up to 3 characters with PP prefix. This plate may be personalized or a re-make of an earlier issue.
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from Jim McDevitt |
Repair / Service Towing (1984 to present) |
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History: In 1966 a new series of plates was issued called Motor Vehicle Business. This series continued until about 1984, when it was split into four groups, the largest of which was Repair/Service Towing. The other three included Salvage Yard, Transporter and Repossessor (sometimes referred to as Financier or Collector-Repossessor). Each of these new types had their own distinctive prefix. RS & RT for Repair/Service Towing which was abbreviated REP / SER TOWING and later shortened to REPAIR TOWING. Salvage Yard used a WL prefix, while Transporter and Repossessor used DT and RE respectively. Some years later (1995) Watercraft Trailer Dealers also became part of this group. These plates use a WD prefix. | ||
VERSION 1: First issued around 1984, RS-00000 to between RS-01999 and RS-02299, yellow on blue, REP / SER TOWING on top which is screen printed, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no sticker well, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover. |
from Clayton Moore from Clayton Moore |
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VERSION 2: From between RS-02000 and RS-02300 to between RS-14999 and RS-16999, REP / SER TOWING on top which is now embossed, Pennsylvania on bottom now uses the "You've got a friend" font, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover. |
from Matt Ciecka |
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VERSION 3: From between RS-15000 and RS-17000 to between RT-27726 and RS-29999, REP / SER TOWING on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom now reverts back to standard font, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover. |
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VERSION 4: From between RT-27727 and RS-30000 to unknown series high, REPAIR TOWING on top, note change in legend; PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover. |
Sample from Paul Bagnarol |
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VERSION 5: From RT-20000 to RT-46999, on www base with dash separator, REPAIR TOWING on bottom in narrow font, sticker well upper left. Plate series RT-00000 to RT-19999 reserved for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. |
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VERSION 6: From RT-47000 to RT-48999, same as Version 5 but with wider tag legend as used on Version 7, sticker well upper left. |
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VERSION 7: RT-49000 to RT-71899 switched to visitPA base with keystone separator and wide legend, sticker well upper left. |
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VERSION 8: RT-71900 , without sticker well, and with map outline.
To Highs Page |
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Repossessor (1984 to present) |
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History: In 1966 a new series of plates was issued called Motor Vehicle Business. This series continued until about 1984, when it was split into four groups, the largest of which was Repair/Service Towing. The other three included Salvage Yard, Transporter and Repossessor (sometimes referred to as Financier or Collector-Repossessor). Each of these new types had their own distinctive prefix. RS & RT for Repair/Service Towing which was abbreviated REP / SER TOWING and later shortened to REPAIR TOWING. Salvage Yard used a WL prefix, while Transporter and Repossessor used DT and RE respectively. Some years later (1995) Watercraft Trailer Dealers also became part of this group. These plates use a WD prefix. |
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VERSION 1, 1984: First issued around 1984, RE-00000 to changeover point possibly at RE-00499, yellow on blue, REPOSSESSOR on top which is screen printed, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no sticker well, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover. |
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VERSION 2: Changeover possibly at RE-00500 to unknown high below RE-00785, yellow on blue, REPOSSESSOR on top which is now embossed, dash separator, Pennsylvania on bottom now uses the "You've got a friend" font, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover. |
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VERSION 3: From between RE-00524 and RE-00784 to at least RE-01166, REPOSSESSOR embossed on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom now reverts back to standard font, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover. |
from Clayton Moore |
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VERSION 4, 1999: From RE-05000 , on www base with dash separator, REPOSSESSOR embossed on bottom, sticker well upper left. Reissued 9/1/1999.
To Highs Page |
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Salvage Yard (1984 to present) |
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History: In 1966 a new series of plates was issued called Motor Vehicle Business. This series continued until about 1984, when it was split into four groups, the largest of which was Repair/Service Towing. The other three included Salvage Yard, Transporter and Repossessor (sometimes referred to as Financier or Collector-Repossessor). Each of these new types had their own distinctive prefix. RS & RT for Repair/Service Towing which was abbreviated REP / SER TOWING and later shortened to REPAIR TOWING. Salvage Yard used a WL prefix, while Transporter and Repossessor used DT and RE respectively. Some years later (1995) Watercraft Trailer Dealers also became part of this group. These plates use a WD prefix. |
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VERSION 1, 1984: First issued around 1984, WL-00000 to a point between WL-01499 and WL-02599, yellow on blue, SALVAGE YARD on top which is screen printed, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no sticker well, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover. |
from Matt Ciecka |
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VERSION 2: From a point between WL-01500 and WL-02600 to WL-09612 or higher. SALVAGE YARD on top is now embossed, Pennsylvania on bottom now uses the "You've got a friend" font, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover. |
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NOTE: It is unknown if there was a yellow on blue base after Version 2 which used the standard font for the state name. If so, it would likely have been above WL-09612, or more likely starting at WL-10000 such as Version 3 of Rep / Ser Towing. |
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VERSION 3, 1999: From WL-15000 to WL-22999, on www base with dash separator, SALVAGE YARD embossed on bottom, sticker well upper left. Reissued 9/1/1999 |
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VERSION 4: From WL-23000 to approx. WL-23449, switched to visitPA base but with dash separator, sticker well upper left. |
from Tom Perri |
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VERSION 5, 2008: From approx. WL-23450 , on visitPA base now with keystone separator, sticker well upper left. Spotted 3/23/08.
To Highs Page |
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School Bus (1956 to present) |
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Prior to 1956 it may seem logical that School Buses would have used regular Bus plates, however, Clayton Moore posted a period photo of a School Bus with what appears to be a 1938 Class-T Truck plate.
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School Bus with 1938 Class T Truck plate from Clayton Moore |
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1956, 0000 to at least 7486, yellow on blue, wide border map outline, expiration date 6-30-57 in upper border, PA SCHOOL BUS under top border, year diagonally stacked on left, wide dies. |
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1957, 0000 to at least 7733, blue on yellow, narrower map border outline than Version 1, expiration date 6-30-58 in upper border, PA SCHOOL BUS under top border, year diagonally stacked on left, narrower dies. |
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1958 to 63, 0000 to 9999, then to at least 14998, yellow on blue, narrower map border outline than 1957, PA SCHOOL BUS 58 on top, tab slot on 4-character plates no slot on 5-character plates, validated with stickers thru '63.
Sample
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wide character spacing from Clayton Moore Sample from Paul Bagnarol |
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1964 - 67, 0000 to at least 16296, yellow on blue, same map border outline as 1958, PA SCHOOL BUS 64 on top, validated with stickers thru '67. |
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1968, SA-10000 to at least SA-28999, 68 base, blue on yellow, narrow map border outline, keystone separator, SCHOOL BUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, sticker well lower left with border, validated with stickers thru '71. |
from Jeff Lesher |
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1971 SAMPLE, 71 Base, with 71 etched into sticker well. Samples do not correspond to any issued plate. |
Sample from Jeff Lesher |
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1972 - '77, SA-10000 to at least SA-41301, blue on yellow base, sticker wells upper left & right, 72 lightly etched in upper left well, keystone separator, SCHOOL BUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, validated with stickers thru 7-00. |
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1978 - '92 or '93, SB-10000 to at least SB-24728, blue on yellow, sticker wells upper left & right, keystone separator, SCHOOL BUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, validated with stickers thru 2000 or 2001. |
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1992/93, from SB-25751 or below. Number series is a continuation of the previous version, yellow on blue, sticker well lower left, SCHOOL BUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, validated with stickers thru 2000 or later. |
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2000, SC-00000 to SC-05999, on www base with small keystone separator, tag line font has slightly wider characters than the next format plate.
Sample |
Sample
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Font comparison between plates below SC-05999 and those above that point. |
Font comparison
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2001, From SC-05500 or more likely SC-06000 to SC-46999, on www base with small keystone separator, tag line font has slightly narrower characters than the previous format plate. |
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2006, from SC-47000 to SC-80299, on visitPA base with larger keystone separator. Sticker well retained.
Sample
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from Nick Tsilakis Sample
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2018, SC-80300 to SC-82299 believed to be starting point of plates without sticker well Still on n visitPA base, with keystone separator. |
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2019, SC-82300 , map outline replacing the sticker well.
To Highs Page |
from Matt Ciecka |
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School Vehicle (1993 now appears doubtful, more likely 1997 to present) |
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VERSION 1, SV10000 to unknown high but under SV14000 NOTE: Some pre-www plates are still in use into 2010-11
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unknown Sample
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VERSION 2: SV14000 to SV14499, on www base, narrow font on tag line, no separator. |
from Bruce Bufalini |
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VERSION 3: SV14500 to SV17499 On www base, wide font on tag line, no separator.
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Sample
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VERSION 4: SV17500 to SV17799 On visitPA base, wide font on tag line, no separator, changeover to this type spotted 11/3/05.
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Sample
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VERSION 5: SV17800 to SV19799 On visitPA base, narrow font on tag line, no separator. Added 7/17/07.
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VERSION 6: SV-19800 to SV-20249? On visitPA base, wide font on tag line, and keystone separator. Added 1/20/09.
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from Nick Tsilakis |
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VERSION 7: SV20250? to SV20750? On visitPA base, wide font on tag line, without keystone separator. Added 11/12/09.
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VERSION 8: SV-20750(?) to SV-21249(?) On visitPA base, wide font on tag line, with keystone separator. Appears to be same as Version 6. Added 5/16/10.
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VERSION 9: SV21250(?) to SV21999(?) On visitPA base, wide font on tag line, without keystone separator. Appears to be same as Version 7. Added 3/27/11.
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VERSION 10: SV-22000(?) to SV-26300 or above On visitPA base, wide font on tag line, with keystone separator. Appears to be same as Version 6 & 8. Added 3/11/12.
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from Nick Tsilakis |
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VERSION 11: ~ SV-26800
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On visitPA base, wide font on tag line, with
keystone separator. Now with map outline. Added 12/3/2017. To Highs Page |
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Snowmobile Dealer (1974 to present) |
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1974 only year with metallic plates, 0001 to unknown high, likely under 3000, issued in pairs, white on blue, SNOWMOBILE on top border, PENNA on bottom border, 74 stacked on left side, DLR stacked on right, plate measures 4½" x 8", same as motorcycle plates of the era. |
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1975, This style used from 1975 to present, 3" by 5" white on blue vinyl sticker, serial number in black in center, background colors vary by year, text is always white, PENNSYLVANIA on top, SNOWMOBILE on bottom, the 4-digit year stacked vertically on left and DEALER stacked vertically on right. |
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1976, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on red. |
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1977, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on green. |
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1978, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on yellow. |
from Jeff Lesher |
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1979 through 1987 |
Images needed |
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1988, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on blue |
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1989, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on green. |
from Jeff Lesher |
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1990, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on pink. |
from Jeff Lesher |
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1991, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on orange. |
from Jeff Lesher |
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1992, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on violet. |
from Jeff Lesher |
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1993 and 1994 |
Images needed |
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1995, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on pink, expiration May 31, 1995. |
from Jeff Lesher |
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1996, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on orange, expiration of May 31, 1996. |
from Jeff Lesher |
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1997, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on violet, expiration of May 31, 1997. |
from Jeff Lesher |
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1998, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on blue, expiration of May 31, 1998. |
from Jeff Lesher |
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1999, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on pink, expiration of May 31, 1999. |
from Jeff Lesher |
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2000, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on orange, expiration of May 31, 2000. |
from Jeff Lesher |
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2001, see description under 1975 sticker above, clear or white on violet, expiration of May 31, 2001. |
from Jeff Lesher |
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2002 through 2004 |
Images needed |
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2005, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on black (background color needs to be confirmed), expiration of May 31, 2005. |
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2006 and newer |
Images needed |
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Special Mobile (Equipment) (1984 to present) |
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When Tractor (TR) plates were discontinued about 1984, they were replaced either by Implement of Husbandry (IMP) or Special Mobile Equipment (SME) plates, depending on their use. It may be worth noting that while Special Mobile Equipment plates may be used on some industrial tractors, they can also be used on well drillers, fork lifts, highway maintenance equipment, etc. |
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VERSION 1, 1984, SME-0000 to SME-9999, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, SPECIAL MOBILE on top, Pennsylvania at bottom uses the "You've got a friend" font. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue. |
from Bryan Hummel |
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VERSION 2, 0000-SME to 3691-SME or above where Pennsylvania at bottom uses the "You've got a friend" font, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, SPECIAL MOBILE on top, Pennsylvania at bottom uses the "You've got a friend" font. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue. |
from Lee Madigan |
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VERSION 3, from 4403-SME or below where PENNSYLVANIA switches to block letters to 9999-SME, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, SPECIAL MOBILE on top, PENNSYLVANIA at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue. |
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VERSION 4, SME-000A to SME-999C, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, SPECIAL MOBILE on top, PENNSYLVANIA at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue. |
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VERSION 5, 4/2000, SME-000D to SME-999Z, www base, sticker well upper left, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, SPECIAL MOBILE on bottom with wide font. |
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VERSION 6, 8/2013, A000-SME to B999-SME visitPA base, sticker well upper left, separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, SPECIAL MOBILE on bottom with wide font. |
from Ryan Battin |
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VERSION 7: C000-SME to D444-SME, same as above except SPECIAL MOBILE is entirely between the bolt holes. Spotted 10/2017. |
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VERSION 8: D445-SME or above, same as above but now with map outline. Spotted 10/2017. |
from John Fedorchak |
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VERSION 9: Plate without keystone separator may be an error plate but was also with other such plates also without the keystone.
To Highs Page |
No keystone separator from Ryan Battin |
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State Representative (1956 or '57 to present) |
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After 1935, Legislative plates were not issued again until 1956 or '57. Legislative plates were divided into State House of Representatives and State Senate. Click link to view early Legislative plates. | ||
1956
House of Representatives (unconfirmed) HR1 to HR210
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Image needed |
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1957 House of Representatives, blue on yellow, map outline, 1957 PENNA below top border, expiration date in top border. Serial number used HR in prefix and likely in suffix position also. |
HR prefix
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1958 - 1964 House of Representatives, yellow on blue, map outline, PA 58 below top border, originally to be revalidated with a metal tab, annual stickers were used instead. Early plates had tab slot. Serial number used HR in prefix or suffix position also. |
HR prefix from Lee Madigan HR suffix from Eric Conner |
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1965 - 1970 House of Representatives, could be revalidated to 1970, blue on yellow, map outline, undated, PENNSYLVANIA below top border. Serial number uses HR with keystone separator in prefix and likely in suffix position also. See also 1966 - 1970 House of Representatives below. |
HR prefix from Eric Conner from Eric Conner HR suffix image needed
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These are believed to be prototypes and were not issued. They were likely the work of a Dept. of Transportation official who had a keen interest in PA license plates. Note the use of the word LEGISLATURE, whereas issued plate used LEGISLATOR. |
Prototype or test plates from Jerry McCoy from Michael Wiener |
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1966 - 1970 House of Representatives, blue on yellow, map outline, undated plate used validation stickers, PENNSYLVANIA within top border and LEGISLATOR below top border. Serial number used HR within keystone in prefix and likely in suffix position also. Some plates use a keystone separator.
This LEGISLATOR PA 0 has the Keystone / PA indicator that would normally only be seen on a State Senator plate. This plate may have been produced as a test plate, or possibly a sample that was not formatted correctly. |
HR prefix plate source unknown HR prefix & suffix w/ keystone separator both above from Worthpoint from Eric Conner Sample or test plate
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1971 - 1976 House of Representatives, yellow on blue, undated plate used validation stickers, LEGISLATOR below top border and PENNSYLVANIA above bottom border. Serial number uses HR within keystone in prefix and in suffix position also. |
HR prefix from Worthpoint from Eric Conner from Clayton Moore HR suffix from Matt Boyer |
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1977 - 1983 House of Representatives, undated, could be revalidated thru 1999/2000 with stickers, blue on yellow, PENNSYLVANIA below top border and LEGISLATOR above bottom border. Serial number used HR within keystone in prefix and in suffix position. |
HR prefix unknown source from Lee Madigan HR suffix image needed
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1984 - 1999 House of Representatives, yellow on blue, undated plate used validation stickers, REPRESENTATIVE below top border and PENNSYLVANIA above bottom border. Serial number uses HR within keystone in prefix or suffix position also.
Sample
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HR prefix from Lee Madigan HR suffix from Clayton Moore Sample from Worthpoint
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1999 - 2004 House of Representatives, undated www base, uses validation stickers, PENNSYLVANIA screened along top border, REPRESENTATIVE embossed along bottom border (wide and narrow fonts), serial number uses HR within a keystone in prefix and in suffix position and senatorial district number. Plates still in use. |
HR prefix, narrow legend HR prefix, wide legend, smaller HR symbol from Tom Perri HR suffix, narrow legend from Jordan Irazabal |
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2005 House of Representatives, undated visitPA base, uses validation stickers, PENNSYLVANIA screened along top border, REPRESENTATIVE embossed along bottom border, serial number uses HR within a keystone in prefix and in suffix position and legislative district number. Plates still in use. |
HR prefix from Tom Perri from Tom Perri
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2016 or after, with map outline and without sticker well. |
![]() from Nick Tsilakis |
State Senator (1956 or '57 to present) |
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After 1935, Legislative plates were not issued again until 1956 or '57. Legislative plates were divided into State House of Representatives and State Senate. Click link to view early Legislative plates. | ||
1956 State Senator (unconfirmed) PA1 to PA50
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Image needed |
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1957 Senator, blue on yellow, map outline, legend 1957 PENNA below top border. Expiration 3-31-68 in top border. Serial number uses PA prefix and possibly in suffix position and senatorial district number. |
late Jake Eckenrode collection via John Anshant |
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1958 - 1964 Senator, yellow on blue, map outline, PA 58 below top border, originally to be revalidated with a metal tab, annual stickers were used instead. Early plates had tab slot. Serial number used PA in prefix or suffix position and senatorial district number. The image to the right, PA57, is likely a retired senator plate since the number is above 50, the number of senatorial districts.
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from Eric Conner from Lee Madigan |
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1965 - 1970 Senator, could be revalidated to 1970, blue on yellow, map outline, undated, PENNSYLVANIA below top border. Serial number uses PA with keystone separator in prefix and in suffix position and senatorial district number. |
from Eric Conner from Michael Wiener |
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1966 - 1970 Senator, blue on yellow, map outline, undated plate used validation stickers, PENNSYLVANIA within top border and SENATOR below top border. Serial number used PA within keystone in prefix and likely in suffix position also. Some plates may have used a keystone separator. |
Jake Eckenrode plate |
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1971 - 1976 Senator, yellow on blue, undated plate used validation stickers, SENATOR below top border and PENNSYLVANIA above bottom border. Serial number uses PA within keystone in prefix and suffix positions and senatorial district number. |
Jake Eckenrode plate Jake Eckenrode plate from Eric Conner from Chuck Harrington |
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1977 - 1983 Senator, undated, could be revalidated thru 1999/2000 with stickers, blue on yellow, PENNSYLVANIA below top border and SENATOR above bottom border. Serial number used PA within keystone in prefix and in suffix position and senatorial district number. |
from Michael Wiener from Clayton Moore |
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1984 - 1999 Senator, yellow on blue, undated plate used validation stickers, SENATOR below top border and PENNSYLVANIA above bottom border. Serial number uses PA within keystone in prefix and in suffix position and senatorial district number. |
from ebay Sample |
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1999 - 2004 Senator, undated www base, uses validation stickers, PENNSYLVANIA screened along top border, SENATOR embossed along bottom border, serial number uses PA within a keystone in prefix and in suffix position and senatorial district number. Plates still in use. |
from Eric Conner |
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2005 - Senator, undated visitPA base, uses validation stickers, PENNSYLVANIA screened along top border, SENATOR embossed along bottom border, serial number uses PA within a keystone in prefix and in suffix position and senatorial district number. Plates still in use. |
from Eric Conner from Tom Perri |
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2016 or after, with map outline and without sticker well. |
from Bill Young |
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Suburban (1960 - 1964) (1965 Prototype) |
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These were multi-year plates, renewable with annual stickers, and were used on station wagons at the time, a term more likely today would be an SUV or crossover, although PennDOT still uses the term SW (station wagon) as a type of vehicle. They all had the characteristic Q in the serial number, except for Amateur Radio and Press Photographer plates. Plate legend PA SUBURBAN 60, all 6-character plates used a small keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character. See 1965 Prototype below. |
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Format 1: Q100 to Q99-999 Format 2: 0Q00 to 9Q9-999, Format 3: 00Q0 to 99Q-999 Format 4: 000Q to 999-Q99, Format 5: 0000Q to 999-9Q9 Format 6: 000-00Q to 999-99Q, Format 7: QA0-000 to QZ9-999, Format 8: Q0A-000 to Q6C-318 |
Fomat 1, Q000 from Ed Lybarger Fomat 1, Q0000 from Jerry McCoy Format 1, Q100-000 Format 2, 0Q000 from John Willard Format 2, 0Q0-000 from John Willard Format 3, 00Q0 from pl8s.com Format 3, 00Q00 Format 3, 00Q-000 from Worthpoint Format 4, 000Q Format 4, 000Q0 from Worthpoint Format 4, 000-Q00 Format 5, 0000Q from Amanda Pierson Format 5, 000-0Q0 Format 6, 000-00Q from John Willard Format 7, QA0-000 Format 8, Q0A-000 from John Willard |
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Amateur Radio Suburban Plate legend PA SUBURBAN 60. Serial number was FCC call sign, W or K usually followed by 3, then 2 or 3 letters. |
from ebay |
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Plate legend PA SUBURBAN 60. Serial numbers came from the Press Photographer series, always PP followed by 1 to 3 numbers. |
Jake Eckenrode collection via John Anshant from John Willard |
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No Suburban plates were issued for 1965.
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from Jerry McCoy |
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Superior Court (1980s - 90s?) |
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This plate type has an interesting history; it is unknown when the plate type was first issued, but I saw one in 1997 unfortunately no picture. That plate was yellow on blue and had SUPR as a prefix followed by a one or two-digit number like 4 or 04. Then in September of 1999 the plates were reissued on the www base. Plate were reissued on a number for number basis using the same format as the previous issue. Then in February 2002 the plates were redesigned and reissued in the current format. It is unknown how many of these plates are in use, but the series is reserved from S/C01 to S/C30. | ||
1980s -90s, starting year unknown, SUPR1 to SUPR25 and 1SUPR to 25SUPR, yellow on blue, SUPERIOR COURT on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom. |
Images needed Front plate from Lee Madigan |
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1999 Superior Court, SUPR1 to SUPR25 and 1SUPR to 25SUPR, www base, PENNSYLVANIA on top, SUPERIOR COURT on bottom. |
Images needed
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2002 Superior Court, www base, PENNSYLVANIA on top, SUPERIOR COURT on bottom S/C01 to S/C30 some with state coat of arms. Also SCPJ1, for President Judge, with state coat of arms.. |
from Ned Flynn from Tom Perri from Ned Flynn edited by Jim Moini |
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Supreme Court (1984) |
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1984 Supreme Court, SCJ-1 to SCJ-25 and 1-SCJ to 25-SCJ, starting year unknown, yellow on blue, You've Got a Friend in on top, Pennsylvania on bottom. |
from ALPCA Archives |
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1987 Supreme Court, SCJ1 to SCJ25 and 1SCJ to 25SCJ, yellow on blue, state coat of arms, SUPREME COURT on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.
Sample
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from Michael Wiener from Paul Bagnarol |
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2001 Supreme Court, issued on a number for number basis beginning 1/2001, www base, SCJ1 to SCJ25 and 1SCJ to 25SCJ, PENNSYLVANIA on top (screened) and SUPREME COURT on bottom embossed. |
anonymous contributor |
Taxi (1977 to present) |
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Pre-1977, before 1977 Taxi vehicles were registered as Buses and used Bus plates.
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Registration credential for 1972 Checker Taxi registered as a Bus BA-24743 unknown |
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1977, TX-10000 to TX-24952, blue on yellow base, sticker wells upper left & right, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, TAXI on bottom, validated with stickers thru 2000. | ||
1984, TX-25000 to TX-34999, in actuality plates were issued up to around TX-31821, or possibly higher, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, TAXI on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, validated thru 2000.
Sample |
from Clayton Moore Sample from Paul Bagnarol |
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3/2000, TX-35000 to TX-38999, www base, sticker well upper left, plate legend font on this type uses a sans serif I. |
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From TX-39000 to TX-45999, www base, sticker well upper left, plate legend font on this version uses a serif I. |
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2007, from TX-46000, visitPA base with keystone separator, sticker well upper left, plate legend font on this version uses a serif I.
Sample
To Highs Page
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Sample
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Temporary (1946 to the present.) |
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Cardboard temporary tags, started 4/1/1946, date periods are approximate as there are many overlaps. Plates were not issued by the year but were issued until a new format or number series was issued. Newspaper articles at the time indicate that legislation authorizing such plates was passed in 1943, but there is no confirmation of the plates until another article in 1946. |
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1st Generation. 100-001 to 994-535 Black on white cardboard, plate measures 6" by 11". This is believed to be the earliest version, earliest known plate 1946, and used into 1951 or '52, possibly later, plate legend on top, T-PENNA-T with dashes between the Ts and PENNA. Note, the next edition of this plate used the same legend but without the dashes. 6 numeric characters with a dash separator between 3rd and 4th characters. Along bottom are spaces for entering the following data: Issued; Expires; Make; and Serial. |
Sample from Jeff Lesher Lowest known plate 100-437 Dated 1947 from Worthpoint dated 1949 from Pat Damico / Libertysales2 |
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2nd Generation. At least as early as 1952, up to around 1964 1950s. A00-000 to 0Z9-999, black on white cardboard, plate measures 6" by 11", T PENNA T along top border, but without the dashes. 6 characters, may be all numeric or have 1 alpha character. Dash separator between 3rd and 4th characters. Along bottom are spaces for entering the following data: Issued; Expires; Make; and Serial. |
dated 9/54 from Devan Ciemiewicz dated 6/1957 from Harlots.n.hussies |
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3rd Generation. From around 1964 to late 1960s, TEMPORARY TAG. 100-000 to 4H9-999 or above. Black on white cardboard, plate measures 6" by 11", T PA T along top border. It appears that the order in which they were made has little to do with the order in which they were issued. I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that this round of plates started with a 6-digit, all numeric format, then went to an alpha character in the first position, then in the second position, for example: 123-456, A12-345, then 1A2-345, with a dash between the 3rd and 4th characters I'm only referring to the plates with T PA T as the top legend. Along bottom are spaces for the following data: Issued; Expires; Make; and Serial. Plates are being grouped by alpha-numeric sequence along with their associated issue date, if known.
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dated 10/1964 from Bob Connison dated 8/1967 from Tim Gierschick dated 4/1961 from Pl8source |
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4th Generation. ~1968 - ~1972, TEMPORARY T00-000 to T99-999, black on white cardboard, plate measures 6" by 12", Serial is T followed by 3 digits, keystone separator, and 3 digits. An alpha character may be used in place of one of the digits. Top line are spaces for the following data: Issued; Make; Serial and Expires. |
dated 6/1969 from Bob Connison dated 12/1970 from Andy Vereen |
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5th Generation. ~1972 - ~1975, TEMPORARY 7 digit serial with keystone separator between the 4th and 5th position. Top line are spaces for the following data: Issued; Year; Make; Model; Serial; Expires; Dealer I.D. |
dated 2/1973 from Bob Connison dated 1974 from Steve Ondik |
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6th Generation. ~Mid 1970s to at least the early to mid-90s, TEMPORARY TRANSIT 45 days |
dated 3/77 from Steve Ondik |
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7th Generation. ~1999 - 2002, 30 DAY TEMPORARY TRANSIT, predated boxes from 1999 to 2002, no logo or watermark. Number series uncertain. |
from Clayton Moore |
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8th Generation. ~2001, 30 DAY TEMPORARY IN-TRANSIT, 0000-000 to ~ 0499-999. Uses Commonwealth seal as repetitive watermark.
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from Bruce BufalinI |
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9th Generation. ~2003, 30 DAY TEMPORARY IN-TRANSIT, 0500-000 to ~ 0999-999. Uses large Commonwealth coat of arms as watermark. |
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10th Generation. ~2008, 30 DAY TEMPORARY IN-TRANSIT~ 1000-000 to 1499-999 or 1749-999. Uses a repetition of square PennDOT logos as a watermark |
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11th Generation. ~2010 through 2017, 30 DAY TEMPORARY IN-TRANSIT, 1500-000 or 1750-000 . Uses Pennsylvania over Department of Transportation followed by a PennDOT keystone logo as a watermark. Format spotted 1/15/10. |
from Jordan Irazabal |
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12th
Generation. ~2018, 60 DAY TEMPORARY IN-TRANSIT,
~3100-000 . To Highs Page |
from Jordan Irazabal from Jordan Irazabal |
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Tractor (1914 - 1977, revalidated to 1984) | ||
Tractor plates were first issued in 1914, and used an E prefix, standing for Engine until 1927, from 1928 to 1933 a TE prefix, meaning Traction Engine, was used. Then the prefix was removed and the word TRACTOR was used as the legend until the discontinuation of tractor plates after 1983. Both the 1971 and 77 bases used the prefix TR. In 1984 tractor plates were replaced by two different types. If the tractor was used for industrial purposes, it received a Special Mobile Equipment (SME) plate. If the tractor was used for agriculture, the vehicle was issued an Implement of Husbandry (IMP) plate. There has been a proliferation of SME plates and profound scarcity of IMP plates. As of the end of 2011 there were 24,367 SME plates in use and 216 IMP plates. | ||
1914, E1 to E9999, actual high unknown but less than 1350, white on black porcelain, left side has legend PENNA over 1914 over TRACTOR, width depends on number of characters. Plates with E+1 digit are 6" x 8"; E+2 digits are 6" x 10"; E+3 digits are 6" x 12"; E+4 digits are 6" x 14". 1914 and 1915 were the only years that plates were issued in pairs. Format 1: E1 to E9, 6" x 8" Format 2: E10 to E99, 6" x 10" Format 3: E100 to E999, 6" x 12" Format 4: E1000 to E1167, 6" x 14" |
1914 vehicle registration data from Ben Vaughn Click to enlarge Format 1 Image needed Format 2 Tim Gierschick plates Format 3 from Tim Gierschick Format 4 from Dave Lincoln |
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1915, E1 to E9999, actual
high unknown, white on light blue porcelain, left side has PENNA over1914
over TRACTOR, width depends on number of characters. Plates with E+1
digit are 6" x 8"; E+2 digits are 6" x 10"; E+3 digits are 6" x 12"; E+4
digits are 6" x 14".
1914 and 1915 were the only
years that plates were issued in pairs. Format 1: E1 to E9, 6" x 8" Format 2: E10 to E99, 6" x 10" Format 3: E100 to E999, 6" x 12" Format 4: E1000 to E 2183 or above, 6" x 14" |
Format 1 Image needed Format 2 from John Willard Format 3 from Tim Gierschick Format 4 from Tim Gierschick |
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1916, E1 to E2241 or higher, actual high unknown, black on orange, all plates were embossed & painted, left side has PENNA over 1916 over TRACTOR, width depends on number of characters. Plates with E+1 digit are 6" x 11", E+2 digits are 6" x 13"; E+3 digits are 6" x 14"; E+4 digits are 6" x 16". Format 1: E1 to E9, 6" x 11" (size not verified) Format 2: E10 to E99, 6" x 13" Format 3: E100 to E999, 6" x 14" Format 4: E1000 to E2421 or above, 6" x 16"
See Class 2 Tractor description under 1917, the law designating two classes was passed in 1915; however, it is not known exactly when the law went into effect, or how long it remained in effect, or if there was a higher number series for such plates. |
Format 1 Image needed Format 2 from Tim Gierschick Format 3 Bill Krellner collection Format 4 from Tim Gierschick |
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1917, Class 1, E1 to ~E2799, white on brown, left side has PENNA over1917 over TRACTOR. Plates with E+2 or 3 digits are 6" x 14"; E+4 digits are 6" x 16". It is unconfirmed what size E+1 digit plates are. Format 1: E1 to E9, 6" x 11" Format 2: E10 to E999, 6" x 14" Format 3: E1000 to E2799 and above, 6" x 16" Class 2, E3450 to ~E3475, Vehicle registration records from 1917 list two classes of Tractor plates. First Class which started at E1 and Second Class appears to have started at E3450. According to information below received from Jake Eckenrode: Act 410 of 1915, Section 3. Tractionengines or tractors, for the purpose of this act, shall be divided into two classes: First Class. Traction-engines or tractors used exclusively for agricultural purposes, road-grading, and transporting the machinery and appliances, which, when at rest, they operate with their own power; and excluding engines used for hauling of freight of any kind. Second Class. Traction-engines or tractors used for freighting, which shall include all hauling upon the public highway, excepting such as is specified in the preceding paragraph. Information concerning the breakdown of the numbering system from Eric Tanner. |
Class 1, Format 1 Image & size needed Class 1, Format 2 from Tim Gierschick from Tim Gierschick Class 1, Format 3 Bill Krellner collection Class 2 Image needed |
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1918, E1 to E9999, actual high unknown, white on black, left side has PENNA over1918 over TRACTOR, width depends on number of characters. Plates with E+1 or 2 digits are 6" x 10"; E+3 digits are 13½", E+4 digits are 6" x 16". Format 1: E1 to E99, 6" x 10" Format 2: E100 to E999, 6" x 13½" Format 3: E1000 to E3066 or above, 6" x 16"
See Class 2 Tractor description under 1917, the law designating two classes was passed in 1915; however, it is not known exactly when the law went into effect, or how long it remained in effect. |
Format 1 Image needed Format 2 from Tim Gierschick from Tim Gierschick Format 3 from Clayton Moore from Jason Cook |
Image added 4/23
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1919, E1 to E9999, actual
high unknown, red on black, right side has PENNA over1919 over TRACTOR,
width depends on number of characters. E+ 1 or 2 digits are 6" x 10", E+3 digits are 6" x 13½"; E+4
digits are 6" x 16". Format 1: E1 to E99, 6" x 10" Format 2: E100 to E999, 6" x 13½" Format 3: E1000 to E3019 or above, 6" x 16"
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Format 1 Image needed Format 2 from Tim Gierschick Format 3 from Tim Gierschick |
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1920, E1 to E999, E1-000, etc, actual high unknown, white on black embossed & painted, legend PENNA TRACTOR 1920 along lower border of plate. All plates believed to be 6" x 16". Format 1: E1 to E999 (no dash) Format 2: E1-000 to E2-320 or above |
Format 1 from Tim Gierschick from Tim Gierschick Format 2 from Clayton Moore |
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1921,
E1 to E999, E1-000, etc, actual high unknown, black on yellow,
legend PENNA TRACTOR 1921 along lower border of plate. Size is 6" x 16". Format 1: E1 to E999 (no dash) Format 2: E1-000 to E4-163 or above |
Format 1 Before and after both from Tim Gierschick Format 2 from Tim Gierschick |
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1922,
E1 to E999, E1-000, etc., actual high unknown, brown on cream, legend PENNA
TRACTOR 1922 along lower border of plate. Size is 6" x 16". Format 1: E1 to E999 (no dash) Format 2: E1-000 to E4-283 or above |
Format 1 from Tim Gierschick Format 2 This plate measures 6" by 16", however, in the picture, the right border and lower right corner were obscured when photographed. Bill Krellner Collection |
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1923,
E1 to E999, E1-000, etc., actual high at least E04-304, yellow over dark blue,
legend PENNA TRACTOR 1923 along lower border of plate.
Size is 6" x 16". Format 1: E1 to E999 (no dash) Format 2: E1-000 to E4-304 or above |
Format 1 from Tim Gierschick Format 2 from Tim Gierschick |
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1924, E1 to E999, E1000,
etc., actual high at least E1886, dark blue over yellow,
legend PENNA 1924 along lower border of plate flanked by keystones.
Sizes of plates are 6" x 10" for E+1, 2 or 3, and 6" x 12" for E+4. Format 1: E1 to E999, 6" x 10" Format 2: E1000 to E1886 or above, 6" x 12" |
Format 1 from Tim Gierschick from Jerry McCoy Format 2 from Tim Gierschick |
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1925,
E1 to at least E3084, actual high at least E3084, yellow over dark blue, legend
1925 PENNA flanked by small keystones along lower border of plate.
Sizes of plates are 6" x 10" for E+1, 2 or 3, and 6" x 12" for E+4. Format 1: E1 to E999, 6" x 10" Format 2: E1000 to E3084 or above, 6" x 12" |
Format 1 from Tim Gierschick Format 2 from Tim Gierschick from Tim Gierschick |
Image added 5/14 |
1926, E-1 to E-999,
then E1-000, etc., actual high at least E-4552, dark blue over yellow, legend 1926 PENNA
along bottom flanked by keystones in the lower corners.
Sizes of plates are 6" x 10" for E+1 or 2 digits; 6" x 12" for E+3 digits; 6" x 13" for E+4 digits. Format 1: E-1 to E-99, 6" x 10" Format 2: E-100 to E-999, 6" x 12" Format 3: E1-000 to E4-552 or above, 6" x 13" |
Format 1 Image needed Format 2 from Tim Gierschick Format 3 from Tim Gierschick |
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1927, E-1 to E-999, then E1-000, etc., actual high at least E4-199, yellow over dark blue, legend 1927 PENNA along top flanked by keystones. Plates were likely 6" x 10" for E+1, 2 or 3 digits; 6" x 13" for E+4 digits. Format 1: E-1 to E-99, then E100 to E999, 6" x 10" Format 2: E1-000 to E4-199 or above, 6" x 13" |
Format 1 from Jake Eckenrode from Clayton Moore Format 2 from Clayton Moore |
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1928, TE-1 to TE-999, then TE1-000, first year for TE (Traction Engine) also TE is smaller than numbers, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA 1928 along top flanked by keystones in the upper corners. Plates were likely 6" x 15" Format 1: TE-1 to TE-999, 6" x 15" (confirm size) Format 2: TE1-000 to TE4-060 or above, 6" x 15" |
Format 1 Image needed Format 2 from Clayton Moore |
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1929, TE-1 to TE-999, then TE1-000, yellow over dark blue, legend 1929 PENNA along top, flanked by keystones in the upper corners. Plates size varied by the number of characters, see below. Format 1: TE-1 to TE-999, 6" x 13½" Format 2: TE1-000 to TE5-237 or above, 6" x 15" |
Format 1 from Bob Connison Format 2 from John Willard |
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1930, TE-1 to TE-999, then TE1-000, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA 1930 along bottom flanked by keystones in the lower corners, width 6" x 15". Format 1: TE-1 to TE-999, 6" x 15" Format 2: TE1-000 to TE4-863 or above, 6" x 15" |
Format 1 from Tim Gierschick Format 2 from Rick Kretschmer |
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1931, TE-1 to TE-999, then TE1-000, yellow over dark blue, legend PENNA 1931 along bottom, flanked by keystones in the lower corners, width 6" x 15". Format 1: TE-1 to TE-999, 6" x 15" Format 2: TE1-000 to TE3-066 or above, 6" x 15" |
Format 1 from Lee Madigan from Tim Gierschick Format 2 from Clayton Moore |
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1932,TE-1 to TE-999, then TE1-000, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA 1932 along top, flanked by keystones in the upper corners, width 6" x 15". Format 1: TE-1 to TE-999, 6" x 15" (confirm size) Format 2: TE1-000 to TE4-747 or above, 6" x 15" |
Format 1 Image needed Format 2 from Tim Gierschick |
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1933, TE-1 to TE-999, then TE1-000, yellow over dark blue, legend PENNA 1933 along top, flanked by keystones in the upper corners, width 6" x 15". Format 1: TE-1 to TE-999, 6" x 15" Format 2: TE1-000 to TE4-621 or above, 6" x 15"
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Format 1 from Tim Gierschick Format 2 from Tim Gierschick |
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1934, 1 to unknown high, dark blue over yellow, legend 1934 stacked on left, TRACTOR flanked by keystones along bottom, PENNA stacked on right. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1: 1 to 5261 or above |
from Tim Gierschick from Clayton Moore from Tim Gierschick |
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1935, 1 to 4699 (authorized high), yellow over dark blue, legend 1935 stacked on left, TRACTOR flanked by keystones along bottom, PENNA stacked on right. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1: 1 to 5204 or above
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from Tim Gierschick from Tim Gierschick from Robert Rosengarten Sample from John Willard |
Image added 4/16
Image added 4/16
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1936, 1 to high above 4800, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA stacked on left, TRACTOR flanked by keystones along top, 1936 stacked on right. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1: 1 to 4843 or above |
from Tim Gierschick from Clayton Moore Sample from John Willard |
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1937, 0001 to unknown high, yellow over dark blue, legend PENNA stacked stacked on left, TRACTOR flanked by keystones along top, 1937 stacked on right. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1: 0001 to 3859 or above
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from Jim Moini from Tim Gierschick |
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1938, 0001 to unknown high, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, top legend 38, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1: 0001 to 6636 or above
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from Tim Gierschick Sample from Paul Bagnarol |
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1939,
0001 to unknown high, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, top legend
39, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA. Plates measure 6" x
12". Format 1: 0001 to 7341 or above |
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1940, 0001 to unknown high, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, top legend 40, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1: 0001 to 8437 or above |
from Tim Gierschick |
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1941, 0001 to
high under 9999, state
map outline, yellow over dark blue, top legend 41, then
TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA. Exp. 3-31-42 added to top
border. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1: 0001 to 9997 or above
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from Tim Gierschick |
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1942, 0001 to 9999, then A000, the use of the alpha prefix is unconfirmed, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, top legend 42, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-43 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1: 0001 to 9999 Format 2: A000 to C424 or above
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Format 1 from Tim Gierschick Format 2 John Willard & John Anshant plate |
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1943 Validation Tab, due to the war effort, for 1943 only a black on red steel tab was issued with a keystone and the year 43 and 3-31-44 expiry within the keystone. There was also a small serial number lightly stamped below the 3-31-44, high number TR9453. Tab measured 1⅞" x 2⅛".
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from Clayton Moore from Tim Gierschick |
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1944, 0001 to 9999, then A000, the use of the alpha prefix is unconfirmed, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, top legend 44, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-45 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1: 0001 to 3952 or above |
Format 1 from Clayton Moore |
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1945, 0001 to 9999, then A000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, top legend 45, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-46 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1: 0001 to 9999 Format 2: A000 to B572 |
Format 1 from Clayton Moore Format 2 from Worthpoint |
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1946,
0001 to 9999, then A000, state map outline, yellow Format 1: 0001 to 9999 Format 2: A000 to B434 or above |
Format 1 from Tim Gierschick Format 2 from Clayton Moore |
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1947, 0001 to 9999, then A000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 47 TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-48 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1: 0001 to 9999 Format 2: A000 to J372 or above |
Format 1 from Tim Gierschick Format 2 from Tim Gierschick |
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1948,
0001 to 9999, then A000, state map outline, yellow Format 1: 0001 to 9999 Format 2: A000 to M944 or above
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Format 1 from Tim Gierschick Format 2 from eBay |
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1949, 0001 to 9999, then A000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 49 TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-50 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1: 0001 to 9999 Format 2: A000 to P195 or above |
Format 1 from Tim Gierschick Format 2 from Clayton Moore |
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1950, 0001 to 9999, A000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 50, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-51 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1: 0001 to 9999 Format 2: A000 to K156 or above |
Format 1 from Tim Gierschick Format 2 from Worthpoint |
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1951, 0001 to 9999, A000 to S896, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 51 TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-52 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1: 0001 to 9999 Format 2: A000 to S896 or above |
Format 1 Format 2 from Clayton Moore |
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1952, 0001 to 9999, A000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 52, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-53 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1: 0001 to 9999 Format 2: A000 to S354 |
Format 1 from Clayton Moore 1952 registration card for 2273 from Tim Gierschick Format 2 from Tim Gierschick |
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1953, 0001 to 9999, A000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 53 TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-54 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ". Format 1: 0001 to 9999 Format 2: A000 to N387 or above |
Format 1 from Clayton Moore Format 2 from Ed Burr |
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1954, 0001 to 9999, A000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 54, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-55 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ". Format 1: 0001 to 9999 Format 2: A000 to U513 or above |
Format 1 from Tim Gierschick Format 2 from Clayton Moore |
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1955, 0001 to 9999, A000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 55, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-56 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ". Format 1: 0001 to 9999 Format 2: A000 to U609 or above |
Format 1 Format 2 from Worthpoint |
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1956, 0001 to 9999, A000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 56, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-57 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1: 0001 to 9999 Format 2: A000 to V847 or above |
Format 1 from Tim Gierschick Format 2 from Clayton Moore |
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1957, 100000 or 100001 to 136385 state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 57 TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-58 in top border, all plates were 6 numeric characters with no separators. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format: 100000 to 136385 |
from Clayton Moore |
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1958 to '64, 100-000 or 100-001 to unknown high, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend PA TRACTOR 58, a small keystone separator was placed between the 3rd and 4th digit. Early plates had a tab slot to the left of 58 for a renewal tab. Tabs were never issued, instead an annual validation sticker was issued for the upper left corner. Later plates did not have the tab slot. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1: Lower numbered plates, 100-000 to between 131-000 and 132-000, with tab slot Format 2: Higher numbered plates starting between 131-000 and 132-000 to 150-023 or above, without tab slot Sample |
With tab slot from Clayton Moore Without tab slot from Worthpoint Sample from Paul Bagnarol |
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1965 to '70, 100-000 to 138-828, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend PA TRACTOR below top border, small keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th digit. A validation sticker was issued for renewal. Plates measure 6" x 12". |
from Tim Gierschick from Tim Gierschick |
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1971 to 76, TR-10000 to TR-50998, TR prefix, small keystone separator between TR and serial number, yellow over dark blue, legend TRACTOR along top border, PENNSYLVANIA along bottom border. Sticker wells upper left and right, lightly debossed 71 in left sticker well. Plates measure 6" x 12". Image to the bottom right is a sample.
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from Tim Gierschick Sample
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1977 to 1984, TR-10000 to TR-39456, TR prefix, small dash separator between TR and serial number, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNSYLVANIA along top border, TRACTOR along bottom border. Sticker wells upper left and right. Plates measure 6" x 12". In 1984 tractor plates were replaced by two different types. If the tractor was used for industrial purposes, it received a Special Mobile Equipment (SME) plate. If the tractor was used for agriculture, the vehicle was issued an Implement of Husbandry (IMP) plate. Since then there has been a proliferation of SME plates and profound scarcity of IMP plates. |
from Tim Gierschick
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Tractor Dealer (also issued to Trailer Dealers) (1915 or '16 to 1984) |
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It was generally thought that Tractor Dealer plates were first issued in 1916, however, Eric Tanner has suggested that 7 Tractor Dealer plates were issued in 1915. Unfortunately is it unknown if the plates were issued as part of the regular Dealer plate series, or if they were actually Tractor Dealer plates. My own research suggests that the vehicle registration records for 1915 are no longer in existence. The answer to this question may lie within those records. Tractor Dealer plates for many years used TX as the prefix, the TX does not advance. | ||
1915 - See note above. |
Plate history unknown
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1916, TX0, black on orange, legend PENNA over 1916, over DEALER, plates measure 6" x 13½". |
from Jake Eckenrode |
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1917, TX0, TX00, white on brown, legend PENNA over 1917, over DEALER, plates measure 6" x 13½". |
from Clayton Moore Bill Krellner collection |
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1918, TX0, TX00, TX000, white on black, legend PENNA over 1918, over DEALER, plates measure 6" x 13½" for TX+2 digits and 6" by 16" for TX+3 digits. |
13½" plate from Jake Eckenrode 16" plate from Eric Tanner |
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1919, TX0, TX00, TX000 red on black, legend on right side PENNA over 1919, over DEALER, plates measure 6" x 16". It is not known if shorter lengths were used for TX+1 or 2 digit serial numbers. |
from Robert Rosengarten |
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1920 and 1921 |
Images needed |
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1922, TX0, TX00, brown on cream, legend PENNA over 1922, TRACTOR DEALER along bottom, plates measure 6" x 16". |
from Jake Eckenrode from Eric Tanner |
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1923 |
Image needed |
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1924, TX0, TX00, TX000 unknown, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA 1925 flanked by keystones along bottom, plates measure 6" by 10"; however if TX+3 digits were used, then 6" by 12". |
from Jason Cook from Jeff Lesher |
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1925, TX-0, TX-00, yellow over dark blue, legend 1925 PENNA flanked by keystones along bottom, plates measure 6" by 12". |
![]() from Jake Eckenrode from Worthpoint |
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1926,TX-0, TX-00, dark blue over yellow, legend 1926 PENNA flanked by keystones along bottom, plates measure 6" by 13". |
![]() from Jake Eckenrode |
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1927 |
Image needed |
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1928, TX-0, TX-00, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA 1928 flanked by keystones along top, plates measure 6" by 13". |
from Tim Gierschick from Eric Tanner |
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1929
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Image needed |
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1930, TX-1 to TX-149, dark blue over yellow, legend 1930 PENNA flanked by keystones along bottom, plates measure 6" by 12". |
![]() from Jake Eckenrode from Tim Birkmire |
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1931 and 1932 |
Images needed |
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1933, TX0, TX00, yellow over dark blue, legend PENNA 1933 on top top flanked by keystones. |
Image needed image in Archives |
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1934 |
Image needed |
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1935, 1 to 29 authorized, plates measure 6" by 12" yellow over dark blue, legend 1935 stacked on left, serial number flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on right, TRACTOR DLR along bottom
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from BMV Plate Design doc Image needed |
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1936, serial unknown, dark blue over yellow, legend TRACTOR DLR along top, PENNA stacked on left, serial number flanked by keystones, 1936 stacked on right. |
Graphic depiction Image needed |
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1937 |
Image needed |
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1938, TX000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 38, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA. Plates measure 6" x 12".
Image to the right is a sample plate, and should probably read TX00. |
Image needed Sample plate from John Willard |
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1939 through 1949 |
Images needed |
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1950, TX000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 50, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-51 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". |
![]() from Jake Eckenrode |
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1951 |
Image needed |
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1952, TX000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 52, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-53 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ. |
from John Willard & Ed Burr |
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1953 |
Image needed |
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1954, TX000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 54, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-55 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ. |
from Jeff Lesher |
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1955, TX000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 55, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-56 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ. |
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1956 and 1957 |
Images needed |
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1958 base revalidated thru '61, TX0-000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend PA, then TRACTOR, then 58. Early plates had tab slots, later ones did not. Plates measure 6" x 12". |
w/ tab slot from Jake Eckenrode w/o tab slot from Jake Eckenrode |
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1962 base revalidated thru '63, TX0-000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend PA, then TRACTOR, then 63. Plates measure 6" x 12". |
from Jake Eckenrode |
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1964, TX0-000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend PA, then TRACTOR, then 64. Plates measure 6" x 12". |
from Jake Eckenrode |
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1965, undated, TX0-000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend PA, then TRACTOR. Plates measure 6" x 12". |
John Willard plate |
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1966, TX-0000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend PA, then DEALER then 1966. Plates measure 6" x 12". |
from Jake Eckenrode |
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1967,
TX-0000,
state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend DEALER then 1967.
PENNSYLVANIA within top border. Plates measure 6" x
12".
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from Jake Eckenrode John Willard plate |
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1968, TX-0000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend DEALER then 1968. PENNSYLVANIA within top border. Plates measure 6" x 12". |
from Mike at pl8source |
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1969, TX-0000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend DEALER then 1969. PENNSYLVANIA within top border. Plates measure 6" x 12". |
from Jake Eckenrode |
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1970,
TX-0000,
state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend DEALER then 1970.
PENNSYLVANIA within top border. Plates measure 6" x
12".
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from Glenn from Glenn |
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Tractor Dealer plates in 1971 used a totally new format of D10-000D and used this format thru the mid-80s and also followed the same minor yearly formatting changes that were seen on other plates in the dealer series, i.e. the years from '71 to '74 had embossed years while plates for '75 and '76 were undated with validation stickers. Then in 1977 the colors were reversed to blue on yellow and embossed years were used again for '77 and '78. In 1979 plates were undated and continued to be renewed with stickers up to the time when Farm Equipment Dealer was introduced in 1991. It should be noted that some time in the mid-80s the A-series New Car Dealer and B-series Used Car Dealer plates were running out of numbers so the D (tractor), E (trailer) and eventually the F series plates were assigned as needed and the letter no longer designated a particular dealer type.
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1971, D10-000D, new format, yellow on dark blue, legend DEALER with 1971 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom. All plates used 7 characters with small keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character. First and last alpha characters do not advance. Plates measure 6" x 12".
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from Jake Eckenrode |
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1972, D10-000D, yellow on dark blue, legend DEALER with 1972 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom. All plates used 7 characters with small keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character. First and last alpha characters do not advance. |
from Jake Eckenrode |
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1973, D10-000D, yellow on dark blue, legend DEALER with 1973 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom. All plates used 7 characters with small keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character. First and last alpha characters do not advance. |
![]() from Jake Eckenrode |
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1974, D10-000D, yellow on dark blue, legend DEALER with 1974 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom. All plates used 7 characters with small keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character. First and last alpha characters do not advance. |
from Jake Eckenrode |
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1975 - 1976 - two-year undated plate, D10-000D, yellow on dark blue, legend DEALER, undated, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom. All plates used 7 characters with small keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character. First and last alpha characters do not advance. Used 75 and/or 76 validation stickers in sticker wells upper left and right. |
from Jake Eckenrode |
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1977, D10-000D, dark blue on yellow, legend PENNSYLVANIA on top, DEALER with 1977 on bottom. All plates used 7 characters with dash separator between the 3rd and 4th character. First and last alpha characters do not advance. |
from Jake Eckenrode |
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1978, D10-000D, dark blue on yellow, legend PENNSYLVANIA on top, DEALER with 1978 on bottom. All plates used 7 characters with dash separator between the 3rd and 4th character. First and last alpha characters do not advance. |
from Jake Eckenrode |
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1979 - 1983, multi-year undated base could be revalidated until 1991 or '92 when Dealer Farm Equipment was released. Dark blue on yellow, legend PENNSYLVANIA on top, DEALER on bottom. All plates used 7 characters with dash separator between the 3rd and 4th character. First and last alpha characters do not advance. See information above. |
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Trailer (1914 to present) |
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1914, T1 to T116, white on black porcelain, left side has legend PENNA over 1914 over TRAILER, width depends on number of characters. Plates with T+1 digit are 6" x 8"; T+2 digits are 6" x 10"; T+3 digits are 6" x 12", if that format existed. |
1914 vehicle registration data from Ben Vaughn Click to enlarge from Harry Nowak |
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1915, T1 to unknown high, white on sky blue porcelain, left side has legend PENNA over 1915 over TRAILER, width depends on number of characters. Plates with T+1 digit are 6" x 8"; T+2 digits are 6" x 10"; T+3 digits are 6" x 12", if that format existed. |
Jake Eckenrode plate Image from Stephen Tuday |
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1916, T1 to at least T427, actual high unknown, black on orange, left side has PENNA over 1916 over TRAILER, width depends on number of characters. T+3 digits are 6" x 14ĵ". |
from Clayton Moore |
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1917,T1 to at least T864, actual high unknown, white on brown, left side has PENNA over 1917 over TRAILER, width inconsistent and may also depend on number of characters. The T494 plate measures 6" by 14", while the T715 plate measures 6" by 16". Reason for size difference is unknown. |
6" by 14" confirmed from Clayton Moore 6" by 16" from John Willard |
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1918, T1 to unknown high, white on black, left side has PENNA over 1918 over TRAILER, width depends on number of characters. This plate is believed to measures 6" by 13½". |
6" by 13½" from John Willard 6" by 16" Bill Krellner collection |
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1919, T1 to T9999, actual high unknown, red on black, right side has PENNA over1919 over TRAILER, width depends on number of characters. T + 1 or 2 digits are 6" by 10", T+3 digits are 6" x 13½"; T+4 digits are 6" x 16". |
6" by 13½" from Jeff Hinkle 6" by 16" from Clayton Moore |
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1920, T1 to unknown high, white on dark blue, T prefix and the legend PENNA along the bottom left, TRAILER bottom center and the 4-digit year along the bottom right. Plates measure 6" by 15" or 16". |
Image(s) needed
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1921, T1 to unknown high, dark blue over yellow, T prefix and the legend PENNA along the bottom left, TRAILER bottom center and the 4-digit year along the bottom right. Plates measure 6" by 15" or 16" |
from Mike & Ruth Culbert from John Willard |
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1922, T1 to unknown high, brown on cream, T prefix and the legend PENNA along the bottom left, TRAILER bottom center and the 4-digit year along the bottom right. Plates measure 6" by 16". |
All plates believed to be 6" by 16" T 20 image in Archives Bill Krellner collection |
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1923, T1 to unknown high, dark blue over yellow, T prefix and the legend PENNA along the bottom left, TRAILER bottom center and the 4-digit year along the bottom right. Plates measure 6" by 15" or 16" |
Image needed
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1924, TT prefix, number series uncertain, dark blue over yellow,. PENNA and 1924 as bottom legend with small keystones left and right, no top legend used. Likely TT1, thru TT2000+, however, this is unconfirmed. Based on other 1924 plates, sizes are believed to be 6" x 10", 6" x 12" and 6" x 15" depending on the number of characters.
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TT1 to TT99 format, 6" by 10" TT100 to TT999 format, 6" by 12" TT142 image in Archives TT1-000 format, 6" by 15" Bill Krellner collection |
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1925, Likely started at TT1, actual high unknown, yellow over dark blue, legend 1925 PENNA flanked by small keystones along lower border of plate. Sizes are believed to be 6" x 10", 6" x 12" and 6" x 15" depending on the number of characters. |
TT1 to TT99 format, 6" by 10" TT100 to TT999 format, 6" by 13" Bill Krellner collection TT1-000 format, 6" by 15" from Clayton Moore |
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1926, Likely started at TT1, actual high unknown, dark blue over yellow, legend 1926 PENNA flanked by small keystones along lower border of plate. The plate pictured here appears to measure 6" x 15"; however, other sizes were possible depending on the number of digits. Note: TT2-511 uses Ts that are the same size as the numbers, while TT2-837 uses smaller Ts. This marked the beginning for PA to use smaller size letters in serial numbers. |
Full size TT from Eric Tanner Smaller size TT Bill Krellner collection |
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1927, TT-1 to TT3-454 or higher, TT is smaller than numbers, yellow over dark blue, legend 1927 PENNA along top flanked by keystones in the upper corners. Plates measure 6" x 15" |
Bill Krellner collection |
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1928, TT-1 to TT3-186 or higher, TT is smaller than numbers, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA 1928 along top flanked by keystones in the upper corners. Plates measure 6" x 15" |
Bill Krellner collection from Clayton Moore |
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1929, TT-1 to TT4-820 or higher, TT is smaller than numbers, yellow over dark blue, legend 1929 PENNA along top flanked by keystones in the upper corners. Plates measure 6" x 15" |
from Clayton Moore |
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1930, T1 to T9999, no identifying legend except for year and state along bottom flanked by keystones, dark blue on yellow. Plates measure 6" x 12". |
from John Willard |
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1931, T1 to T9999, no identifying legend except for year and state along bottom flanked by keystones, yellow on dark blue. Plates measure 6" x 12". |
from John Willard |
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1932, T1 to T9999, no identifying legend except for the state and year along top flanked by keystones, yellow on dark blue. Serial T prefix and series under 10000, plus the size being 10" or 12" identifies it as a Trailer rather than a Truck. |
from Clayton Moore from Eric Tanner |
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1933, T1 to T9999, no identifying legend except for the state and year along top flanked by keystones, yellow on dark blue. Plates measure 6" x 12". |
from John Willard |
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1934, 1 to 9999, A to Z999, dark blue over yellow, legend 1934 stacked stacked on left, TRAILER flanked by keystones along top, PENNA stacked on right. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1 - 1 to 9999 Format 2 - A to B924
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Format 1 from Jeff Hinkle from eBay user simbacurt |
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1935, 1
to 9999, A1 to Z999, yellow over dark blue, legend
1935
stacked stacked on left, TRAILER flanked by keystones along top, PENNA stacked on right.
Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1 - 1 to 9999 Format 2 - A1 to Z999 Sample - 0000
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Format 1 from Gierschick Format 2 from Clayton Moore unknown source Sample from Paul Bagnarol |
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1936, 1
to 9999, A000 to Z999, dark blue over
yellow, legend PENNA
stacked stacked on left, TRAILER flanked by keystones along top, 1936 stacked on right.
Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1 - 1 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Sample - 0000
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Format 1 from Clayton Moore Format 2 from eBay user simbacurt Sample from Paul Bagnarol |
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1937, 1 to 9999, A000 to Z999, yellow over dark blue, legend PENNA stacked stacked on left, TRAILER flanked by keystones along top, 1937 stacked on right. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1 - 1 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to at least R585 |
Format 1 from Clayton Moore Format 2 from Jeff Hinkle |
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1938, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 38, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Sample - PA00
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Format 1 from Bob Connison Format 2 from John Willard & John Anshant Sample from Paul Bagnarol |
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1939, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 39, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 |
Format 1 from Worthpoint Format 2 from Clayton Moore |
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1940, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 40, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Format 3 - 0A00 to 9D94
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Format 1 from Clayton Moore Format 2 from Bob Connison Format 2 Bill Krellner collection |
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1941, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 41, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-42 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99 |
Format 1 from Clayton Moore Format 2 from Worthpoint Format 3 from Worthpoint |
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1942 & '42 with '43 tab,
0001 to 9999, A000
to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z,
state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 42, then TRAILER flanked by
keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-43 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99 |
Format 1 from Drewski Format 2 from Worthpoint Format 3 John Willard & John Anshant plate |
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1943 tab, due to the war effort, for 1943 only a black on red steel tab was issued with a keystone and the year 43 and 3-31-44 expiry within the keystone. There was also a small serial number lightly stamped below the 3-31-44. Tab measured 1⅞" x 2⅛". |
from Clayton Moore |
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1944, 0001
to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A
to 999Z, state map outline, yellow over dark
blue, legend 44, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-45 in
top border. Plates measure 5⅞" x 11⅞". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99 |
Format 1 from Bob Connison Format 2 John Willard & John Anshant plate Format 3 from Clayton Moore |
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1945, 0001
to 9999, A000
to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z,
state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 45, then TRAILER flanked by
keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-46 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99 Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9
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Format 1 from Worthpoint Format 2 Format 3 from Clayton Moore Format 4 from Bob Connison |
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1946, 0001
to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A
to 999Z, state map outline, yellow over dark
blue, legend 44, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-47 in
top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99 Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9
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Format 1 from Bob Connison Format 2 from Clayton Moore Format 3 from Clayton Moore Format 4 Bill Krellner collection |
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1947, 0001 to 9999, A000
to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z,
state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 47, then TRAILER flanked by
keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-48 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99 Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z
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Format 1 from Bob Connison Format 2 unknown Format 3 unknown Format 4 Format 5 from Worthpoint |
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1948,
0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A
to 999Z, state map outline, yellow over dark
blue, legend 48, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-49 in
top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99 Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z |
Format 1 unknown Format 2 from Jeff Francis Format 3 from Clayton Moore Format 4 from Clayton Moore Format 5 ebay user willy-k |
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1949, 0001 to 9999, A000
to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z,
state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 49, then TRAILER flanked by
keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-50 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99 Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z
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Format 1 Format 2 unknown source Format 3 from Worthpoint Format 4 from Bob Connison Format 5 from Clayton Moore |
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1950, 0001
to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A
to 999Z, 10000, if needed, to unknown high, state map outline, yellow over dark
blue, legend 50, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-51 in
top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99 Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z |
Format 1 from Michael Wiener / Bestplates Format 2 from Bob Connison Format 3 licenseplatekingcompany Format 4 from Clayton Moore Format 5
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1951, 0001 to 9999, A000
to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, 10000 to unknown high,
state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 51, then TRAILER flanked by
keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-52 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99 Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z Format 6 - 10000 etc. this format is unconfirmed
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Format 1 Format 2 from Peter Cohen Format 3 from eBay user j0hnnyo Format 4 from Bob Connison Format 5 from Clayton Moore Format 6 Image needed |
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1952, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, 10000 to unknown high, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 52, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-53 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99 Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z Format 6 - 10000 to unknown high Sample measures 6" by 10ĵ"
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Format 1 from Clayton Moore Format 2 from Chuck Sakryd Format 3 from Worthpoint Format 4 from Chuck Sakryd Format 5 from Clayton Moore Format 6 Sample from John Willard |
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1953,
0001 to 9999, A000
to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, 10000 to unknown high,
state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 53, then TRAILER flanked by
keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-54 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99 Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z Format 6 - 10000 to unknown high |
Format 1 from eBay user agentsteel53 Format 2 from Jeff Hinkle Format 3 from Rob Baran Format 4 from Clayton Moore Format 5 from Tom Firth Format 6 from Bob Connison |
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1954, 0001
to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A
to 999Z, 10000 to unknown high, state map outline, yellow over dark
blue, legend 54, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-55 in
top border. Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99 Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z Format 6 - 10000 to unknown high
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Format 1 from Clayton Moore Format 2 Format 3 from Clayton Moore Format 4 from Carstuffstore Format 5 from Bob Connison Format 6
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1955,
0001 to 9999, A000
to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, 10000 to unknown high, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 55,
then
TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-56 in top border.
Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99 Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z Format 6 - 10000 to unknown high |
Format 1 from Clayton Moore Format 2 Format 3 from Steve Ondik Format 4 from Worthpoint Format 5 Image needed Format 6 from Clayton Moore |
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1956, 0001
to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A
to 999Z, 10000 to unknown high, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend
56, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-57 in top border.
Plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1 - 0001 to 9999 Format 2 - A000 to Z999 Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99 Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z Format 6 - 10000 to unknown high |
Format 1 Format 2 from Clayton Moore Format 3 Format 4 Format 5 from Worthpoint Format 6 from Chuck Sakryd |
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1957, 100000 to ~216256, all plates use a 6-digit serial, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 57, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-58 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 12". |
from Clayton Moore |
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1958 to '64, 100-001 to unknown high, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend PA TRAILER 58, first use of a keystone separator which is located between the 3rd and 4th digit. Early plates had a tab slot to the left of 58 for a renewal tab, this may have been on plates under 275-000. Annual validation sticker was issued for the upper left corner in place of the tabs. Plates measure 6" x 12". |
with tab slot from Clayton Moore without tab slot from John Willard |
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1964 to '67, 100-001 to a high above 397-704, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend PA TRAILER 64 below top border, keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th digit. A validation sticker was issued for renewal. Plates measure 6" x 12". |
from Tim Gierschick |
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1968 to '71, TA-10000 to unknown high above TH-76947, 68 base, blue on yellow, narrow map border, keystone separator, TRAILER on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, sticker well lower left with border, early plates had 68 lightly stamped into the sticker well. | ||
1972 to '77, TA-10000 to unknown high above TJ-72134, yellow over dark blue, embossed border, TRAILER legend below top border, PENNSYLVANIA above bottom border, small keystone separator between the 2-letter prefix and the 5-digit serial number. Sticker wells upper left and right corners. |
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1978 to ~'84, revalidated until 2000, TA10000 to TK-10882, blue on yellow, embossed border, PENNSYLVANIA legend below top border, TRAILER legend above bottom border, dash separator between the 2-letter prefix and the 5-digit serial number. Sticker wells upper left and right corners. |
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~1984 to 2000, revalidated until 2002, TL-10000 to TZ-99999, however, TR- and TX- were not used for Trailers. Yellow on blue, dash separator, earliest plates to at least TL-12638 had PENNSYLVANIA on the top and TRAILER on the bottom. Sticker well lower left. Later plates from the changeover to TZ-99999 + XA to XJ plates had TRAILER as top legend, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, yellow embossed border. Format 1 - TL-10000 to at least TL-12638 Format 2 - TL-16365 or below to TZ-99999 Format 3 - XA-00000 to XJ-99999, from about 1993 to 2000
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Format 1 from Clayton Moore & Rick Kretschmer Format 2
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2000 to 2004, revalidated to present XK-00000 to XZ-99999, on www base with dash separator
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from Clayton Moore |
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2004 to 2005, revalidated to present XBA-0000 to XBZ-9999, on www base with dash separator, series began with XBA. XAA was skipped. First seen May 2004. |
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2005 to 2017 XCA-0000 to XKX-9999, on visitPA base with keystone separator, first reported in early July 2005.
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2018 XKY-0000 . On visitPA base with small map base and without sticker well.
To Highs Page |
from Tom Firth |
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Trailer Dealer (1971 to present) |
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The first Trailer Dealer plates (sometimes referred to as Utility Trailer Dealer) had no distinguishing features except the word DEALER and the E00-000E format. They may have made their debut as early as 1971 and from then thru the mid-80s used the E10-000E format and also followed the same minor yearly formatting changes that were seen on other plates in the dealer series, i.e. the years from '71 to '74 had embossed years while plates for '75 and '76 were undated and used validation stickers. Then in 1977 the colors were reversed to blue on yellow and embossed years were used again for '77 and '78. In 1979 plates were undated and continued to be renewed with stickers up to the time that Trailer Dealer plates with that legend were introduced in 1995. It should be noted that some time in the mid-80s the A-series New Car Dealer and B-series Used Car Dealer were running out of numbers so the D (Tractor), E (Trailer) and eventually the F series plates were assigned as needed and were no longer designated as a particular dealer type.
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1971 starting year unconfirmed |
Image needed |
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1972, E10-000E, yellow on blue, DEALER 1972 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom. |
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1973, E10-000E, yellow on blue, DEALER 1973 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom. |
from Clayton Moore |
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1974, E10-000E, yellow on blue, DEALER 1974 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom. |
Image needed |
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1975 -'76, undated, E10-000E, yellow on blue, DEALER on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, used validation stickers both years. |
from Clayton Moore |
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1977, E10-000E, dark blue on yellow, legend PENNSYLVANIA on top, DEALER 1977 on bottom. |
from hpr4661 |
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1978, E10-000E, dark blue on yellow, legend PENNSYLVANIA on top, DEALER 1978 on bottom. |
Image needed |
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1979 thru 1983, undated, could be renewed with stickers thru 1994, E10-000E, dark blue on yellow, legend PENNSYLVANIA on top, DEALER 1977 on bottom.
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from Clayton Moore |
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1984 thru 1994, toward the end of the run of the '79 base dealer plates, it appears that the A-series New Car Dealer and B-series Used Car Dealer plates were running out of numbers, and since the '79 base Dealer plates were not being replaced by the new '84 series, it was decided that for the future, all dealer types would be merged into a single dealer type as far as plate serial numbers. Therefore it appears that new '84 Dealer plates used the few remaining A & B-series plates and then moved into the D-series, and likely started where the '79 base D-series Tractor Dealer left off. It also appears that the first D-series plates had PENNSYLVANIA on top whereas later plates at some point after D27-270 had DEALER on top. As the now-generic Dealer plates progressed from the D-series into the E-series, the E-series would have started above where the E-series Trailer plates left off on the '77 base. Then as the E-series filled up, the progression expanded into the F-series which had not been used on the '77 base. |
ShopLicensePlates.com |
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1995: TD0000D to TD0999D (actual high unknown), yellow on blue base, the TD prefix and D suffix are static non-advancing characters, Trailer Dealer on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no separator used, sticker well lower left. |
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1999: TD1000D to TD9999D (or current high), www base, the TD prefix and D suffix are static non-advancing characters, PENNSYLVANIA on top, Trailer Dealer on bottom, no separator used, sticker well upper left.
To Highs Page |
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Transporter (1984 to present) | ||
History: In 1966 a new series of plates was issued called Motor Vehicle Business. This series continued until about 1984, when it was split into four groups, the largest of which was Repair/Service Towing. The other three included Salvage Yard, Transporter and Repossessor (sometimes referred to as Financier or Collector-Repossessor). Each of these new types had their own distinctive prefix. RS & RT for Repair/Service Towing which was abbreviated REP / SER TOWING and later shortened to REPAIR TOWING. Salvage Yard used a WL prefix, while Transporter and Repossessor used DT and RE respectively. Some years later (1995) Watercraft Trailer Dealers also became part of this group. These plates use a WD prefix. | ||
VERSION 1: First issued around 1984, DT-00000, yellow on blue, TRANSPORTER on top which is screen printed, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no sticker well, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover. |
from Jake Eckenrode |
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VERSION 2: Range unknown but above DT-00100 and below DT-00989 if they existed. TRANSPORTER on top is now embossed, Pennsylvania on bottom now uses the "You've got a friend" font, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover. It has not been confirmed that this version was produced, however, it was made for Repair / Service Towing, Salvage Yard and Repossessor plates, which are all part of the same family. |
Confirmation & Image needed
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VERSION 3: Range known to exist to at least DT-03437, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom now reverts back to standard font, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover. |
from Lee Madigan |
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VERSION 4: Reissued 9/1/1999, DT-05000 to DT-09499, www base, TRANSPORTER embossed on bottom, uses dash separator. |
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VERSION 5: DT-09500 to likely DT-10274. On visitPA base with keystone separator. Spotted 11/13/07 |
from Jim Moini |
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VERSION 6: Likely from DT-10275 to DT-10749 or DT-10999. On visitPA base with unexpected dash separator in place of the keystone separator. |
from Tom Perri |
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VERSION 7:
Likely from DT-10750 or DT-11000
.
On visitPA base with the keystone separator again. Format variation
added 4/17/11. To Highs Page |
from Jaska Börner |
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VERSION 8: Personalized, up to 5 characters with DT prefix. With map outline. |
from Rob Baran |
University of Pittsburgh (official) (starting year unknown to present) | ||
VERSION 1: "U"0000"P" to plate changeover during 9/99. Uses 'title case' on plate legend. University of Pittsburgh at top, PENNSYLVANIA at bottom, no stickers used, plate is semi-permanent. |
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VERSION 2: "U"0500"P" (reissued 9/99) to format change at or before U1000P. Uses 'title case' on plate legend. PENNSYLVANIA at top, University of Pittsburgh at bottom, no stickers used, plate is semi-permanent. |
from Bruce Bufalini |
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VERSION 3: From changeover at or before U1000P to U1099P. Uses 'small caps' on plate legend. PENNSYLVANIA at top, University Of Pittsburgh at bottom, no stickers used, plate is semi-permanent. Issued in pairs. Format added 2/08. |
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VERSION 4: From changeover at or before U1100P on visitPA base. Plate legend format unchanged. Format added 1/22/10.
To Highs Page |
from Eric Conner |
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VERSION 5: From U1500P. Numbers will likely start at the end of the Version 4. New format added 2/24/19. First image added 5/30/21.
To Highs Page
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from Bruce Bufalini |
U.S. Congress | ||
U.S. Congressional and Senatorial plates are not easy to research, nor are images easy to come by. Additional pictures or information would be appreciated. | ||
It is unknown if this plate type existed on the '57 base. |
Unconfirmed |
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1958 - 1964 Member of Congress, yellow on blue, map outline, PA 58 below top border, annual stickers were used for renewal. Some plates had tab slot. Serial number used MC1 to at least MC27, and likely 1MC to at least 27MC for the U.S. Congressional districts. |
ebay user pinkocelot from Eric Conner |
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1965 - 70 Member of Congress, '65 base blue on yellow, PENNSYLVANIA on top, MC for member of Congress, small keystone separator, then a 1 or 2 digit number. The opposite configuration with the number followed by MC was also likely possible. It is unknown if the number stood for the congressional district at the time. |
Jake Eckenrode plate |
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1966 - 70 Member of Congress, this plate configuration is unconfirmed but is likely a 1966 update that was seen in other political plates. PENNSYLVANIA was now embossed in the top border, US stacked, a C and a 1- or 2-digit number. The U/SC stood for United States Congress. A reversed configuration, such as 16 U/SC was also likely available. |
from Barefoot Jaime from Jerry McCoy |
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1971 - 76 Member of Congress, early plate format used the Bicentennial State base, yellow on blue, PENNSYLVANIA along top border and BICENTENNIAL STATE '76 along bottom border, MC then liberty bell then serial number, or in reverse order with serial number first. Later format PENNSYLVANIA along top border and U.S. CONGRESS along bottom border, serial number had US stacked left of center then number to right. Also in reverse order with serial number first. |
from Eric Conner from Barefoot Jaime from Barefoot Jaime Unconfirmed from Clayton Moore |
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1977 - 83 Member of Congress, could be revalidated until 2000, blue on yellow, PENNSYLVANIA along top border and U.S. CONGRESS along bottom border, serial number had US stacked, then C to left of serial number on right. Also in reverse order with serial number first followed by US stacked, then C. |
from Reid Williamson from Lee Madigan from Michael Wiener |
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1984 - 99 Member of Congress, could be revalidated until 2000, yellow on blue base, PENNSYLVANIA along top border and U.S. CONGRESS along bottom border, serial number had US stacked left of center then number to right. Also in reverse order with serial number first. No sticker wells. |
from Eric Conner from Eric Conner unknown source |
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1999 Member of Congress can be revalidated to present. On www base. U.S. Congress embossed at bottom. Serial U/SC1 to U/SC19 or C1U/S to C19U/S representing the congressional district. |
from Tom Perri & Jordan Irazabal from Bill Ceravola from Tom Perri & Jordan Irazabal |
U.S. Senate | ||
U.S. Congressional and Senatorial plates are not easy to research, nor are images easy to come by. Additional pictures or information would be appreciated. |
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It is unknown if this plate type existed on the '57 base. |
Unconfirmed |
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1958 - 1964 U.S. Senate, yellow on blue, map outline, PA 58 below top border, annual stickers were used instead. Early plates had tab slot. Serial number used US1 and US2, and likely 1US and 2US for the two U.S. Senate positions. |
Jake Eckenrode plate |
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1965 - 1970 U.S. Senate, like other political plates between 1965 and '70 there were at least two versions, with the second version coming around 1966. It is unknown which of these was first. Blue on yellow, map outline, annual stickers were used to revalidate. Serial number used US1 and US2, and likely 1US and 2US, or USS1 and USS2, and likely 1USS and 2USS for the two U.S. Senate positions. |
with separator without separator from Worthpoint David Sampugnaro |
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1971 - 1976, early plate format used the Bicentennial State base, yellow on blue, PENNSYLVANIA along top border and BICENTENNIAL STATE '76 along bottom border, US then liberty bell then serial number, or in reverse order with serial number first. It is unknown if a later format with PENNSYLVANIA along top border and U.S. SENATE along bottom border was used. If so the serial number would have had US stacked left of center then number to right. Also in reverse order with serial number first. |
from Eric Conner |
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1977 - 1983 |
Image needed |
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from Eric Getchell |
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1999 - 2004, revalidated to present U.S. Senate, the plates to the right are fax renderings of actual plates U.S. Senate plates on the www base. It is believed that such plates have never been issued as none of PA's senators have chosen to use such plates. |
Fax rendering of actual plate Fax rendering of actual plate |
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2005 to present U.S. Senate |
Not known to exist
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Watercraft Trailer/Dealer (1995 to present) | ||
1995, WD00000 to plate changeover during 9/99, yellow on blue, Watercraft Tlr / Dlr top legend, PENNSYLVANIA bottom legend. Plate WD-00127 is also known to exist.
Sample plate is not an accurate representation of an actual plate.
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from Brandon Sowers
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1999, WD00500, www base, PENNSYLVANIA screened
top legend, Watercraft Tlr / Dlr embossed bottom legend. To Highs Page |
from Nick Tsilakis |
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