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Governor
The first Governor plate was issued in 1912. It is quite possible that more than one plate was produced per year. It cannot be said with complete certainty that all of the plates pictured below were actually in use on cars. This comment is based partially upon the lack of any wear marks around the bolt holes on some plates. It is also possible that a plate was used for a short period, given to someone as a prized souvenir or gift, and immediately replaced by another identical plate. Some of the above comments were provided by Eric Conner.
Prior to 1929, the history of Governor plates is a little spotty, as no #1 plate bore the word "GOVERNOR". Eric has not seen or heard of any Governor plates from the 1920s with the exception of 1929, although a #1 for the "Official" type is known for 1926.
Eric also points out that no “Governor” or #1 plates from the "Youve Got a Friend Base" to present have surfaced. It is believed that Governor Thornburgh (1979-1987) was the last governor to use the #1 license plate.
See article on first Governor's Plate: Governor Leads - First Governor Plate Article
1960 - present
1960
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
| No information is known for this year. |  |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1961
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
| No information is known for this year. | |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1962
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
|
Plates measure 6" x 11" Manufactured in Pennsylvania prisons Colors: gold on dark blue Used by Governor David L. Lawrence. |
 From Eric Conner |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1963
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
|
Plates measure 6" x 11" Manufactured in Pennsylvania prisons Colors: gold on dark blue Used by Governor William Scranton. |
 From Chuck Harrington |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1964
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
|
Plates measure 6" x 11" Manufactured in Pennsylvania prisons Colors: gold on dark blue Used by Governor William Scranton. |
 From Eric Conner |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1965 - 1970
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
|
Plates measure 6" x 12" Manufactured in Pennsylvania prisons Colors: dark blue on gold Used by Governor William Scranton. |
 From Eric Getchell  From Chuck Harrington |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
|
PROTOTYPE PLATE This plate is identical to the 65 below except the colors are reversed. Eric Conner feels most likely it's a 65 prototype or it was a 64 plate used on the rear with the 64 above being used on the front. |
 From John Willard |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1971 - 1976
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
|
Plates measure 6" x 12" Manufactured in Pennsylvania prisons Colors: gold on dark blue Used by Governor Milton J. Shapp. |
 From Eric Conner |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
|
OTHER PLATES Top plate: The story goes that a boy requested a governor plate from Governor Thornburgh and this is what he received. Plate owner wishes to remain anonymous. Bottom plate: Governor's Office, likely a front plate used by the Governor's staff. |
 From Eric Conner  From Chuck Harrington |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
1977 - circa 1980
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
|
Plates measure 6" x 12" Manufactured in Pennsylvania prisons Colors: gold on dark blue Used by Governor Milton J. Shapp. |
 From Eric Conner  From Eric Conner  From eBay |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
|
OTHER PLATES This plate was photographed in use in 2011 on a 1970s (?) Chrysler. Could it be a former Governor's front plate, or something else? |
 From Eric Conner |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
OTHER PLATES
| Notes | Number Plate | Personalized Plate | Sample Plate |
| Various sample plates on the 1987 base. There were no Governor's plates in use during this period. Possibly a plate was produced but not used, this is unknown. The plates pictured may have been produced and sold during the 1990s. |  From Chuck Harrington  From John McDevitt |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |
| While this may not be a Governor's plate in the traditional sense, (no # 1 or Governor) Chuck Harrington says that on special occasions, Governor Bob Casey would put this on the front of the Governor’s limo. Although this photo may not show it, this plate is unique. Instead of the glass beaded reflectorized yellow paint used on standard issue and state made booster plates at that time period, this plate has gold leaf paint on the embossed areas. An impressive plate when seen in person. Circa 1991. |  From Chuck Harrington |
Not offered on this format | Not offered on this format |