Although being sometimes regarded as an unusual description for private number plates or private registration plates, the terminology “cherished number plates” has come into usage to describe this specific kind of car registration plates.  From a collectible standpoint the cherished number plate has become a viable form of investment. Some motorists and dealers who wish to realise a profit on these whenever they sell or trade them to vehicle dealers or individuals are active in the market.

Ironically, certain letter or number combinations have literally become legendary as a result of their increased popularity.  So it stands to reason why they are seen as a very viable investment from a collector’s standpoint.  Individuals get extremely attached to their cherished number plates because of the fact that they are typically viewed as an expression of one’s lifestyle or personality.  Unfortunately, previously banned letter combinations or words (e.g. SEX) are now allowable, hence some people’s distaste for the practice.

People normally shop for cherished number plates that contain letters that represent their initials or numbers that relate to their date of birth; this is common with celebrities and the more extrovert type of car owner.  Some businesses also seek out index marks that reflect the name of the business.  Although the practice of obtaining personalised number plates is often viewed as just a hobby or possibly some type of profit making occupation, most individuals are very serious about their private number plates and do actually ‘cherish’ them.