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- Massachusetts License Plate, 1929 - Early state-issued license plates were made of porcelain-coated iron. Later, states stamped tin, steel, or even copper to make plates. During the Second World War several states used fiberboard. Plate colors varied and some states added symbols, mottoes, or other design elements. Today, states use reflective sheeting to coat a standard-sized aluminum blank which is then stamped and decorated.

- 1929
- Collections - Artifact
Massachusetts License Plate, 1929
Early state-issued license plates were made of porcelain-coated iron. Later, states stamped tin, steel, or even copper to make plates. During the Second World War several states used fiberboard. Plate colors varied and some states added symbols, mottoes, or other design elements. Today, states use reflective sheeting to coat a standard-sized aluminum blank which is then stamped and decorated.
- Massachusetts Automobile Register License Plate, 1903 - In 1903, Massachusetts became the first state to issue automobile license and registration plates. Other states would soon require license plates, but relied on drivers to provide their own. This blue and white porcelain enamel plate was issued in 1903. Massachusetts issued this type of plate until 1908, when it reversed the color scheme--a white background with blue numbers.

- 1903
- Collections - Artifact
Massachusetts Automobile Register License Plate, 1903
In 1903, Massachusetts became the first state to issue automobile license and registration plates. Other states would soon require license plates, but relied on drivers to provide their own. This blue and white porcelain enamel plate was issued in 1903. Massachusetts issued this type of plate until 1908, when it reversed the color scheme--a white background with blue numbers.
- Massachusetts License Plate, 1973 - Early state-issued license plates were made of porcelain-coated iron. Later, states stamped tin, steel, or even copper to make plates. During the Second World War several states used fiberboard. Plate colors varied and some states added symbols, mottoes, or other design elements. Today, states use reflective sheeting to coat a standard-sized aluminum blank which is then stamped and decorated.

- 1973
- Collections - Artifact
Massachusetts License Plate, 1973
Early state-issued license plates were made of porcelain-coated iron. Later, states stamped tin, steel, or even copper to make plates. During the Second World War several states used fiberboard. Plate colors varied and some states added symbols, mottoes, or other design elements. Today, states use reflective sheeting to coat a standard-sized aluminum blank which is then stamped and decorated.