Rare numeric number plates fetch massive prices as they go under the hammer

One mystery South Aussie forked out a huge sum for the numeric plate as part of the state government’s first sale in six years, raising $2.26m.

An online auction has seen an unnamed South Australian bidder splashing out $80k on a coveted four-digit number plate.

More than $2m was raised in an auction of 80 government-owned plates, the first of its kind in six years.

The numeric plate 9991 was the highlight of the sale, finishing up at a price of $80k.

Plates featuring four-, five- and six-digit numbers were originally assigned to South Australian vehicles prior to 1967.

“Numeric number plates are no longer in circulation, which makes them extremely rare and a collector’s item,” Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis said.

The average price paid for each of the 80 plates was more than $28k

He said the money raised from the plates sale would be put towards South Australian infrastructure spending.

“Most pleasingly, every cent of the proceeds will be returned to road infrastructure spending, generating a tangible benefit for the broader South Australian community.”