AZ Jim
R.I.P. With Us In Spirit Only
- Location
- SURPRISE, ARIZONA
An interesting fact about uninteresting vehicle license plates.
In the throes of the great depression in 1931 Arizona’s copper mines has either seriously laid off workers or closed due to lack of demand. The state made a study to see if vehicle license plates could be made of the red metal and perhaps convince other states to do likewise. Sample plates were made and lacquered to protect against tarnishing. The samples were baked at 170 degrees for 72 hours and then soaked for 24 hours in water and passed with flying colors.
The cost of each plate was under 15 cents which compared favorably with the steel in current use. The license plates were manufactured and went into service in 1932.
Isn’t it Ironic that only 10 years later we couldn’t get enough copper fast enough to meet the needs of our military? Today you can still find some of the original plates and they sell on Ebay for up to $250.
In the throes of the great depression in 1931 Arizona’s copper mines has either seriously laid off workers or closed due to lack of demand. The state made a study to see if vehicle license plates could be made of the red metal and perhaps convince other states to do likewise. Sample plates were made and lacquered to protect against tarnishing. The samples were baked at 170 degrees for 72 hours and then soaked for 24 hours in water and passed with flying colors.
The cost of each plate was under 15 cents which compared favorably with the steel in current use. The license plates were manufactured and went into service in 1932.
Isn’t it Ironic that only 10 years later we couldn’t get enough copper fast enough to meet the needs of our military? Today you can still find some of the original plates and they sell on Ebay for up to $250.
