Behind the Bidding: The 1909 Plate Mystery — Solved with Alan Young

Solved! The Case Of The Mystery Plate! In this special post-auction edition of Auction Waves, Elizabeth McLeod reviews highlights of our just-completed Autumn Majestic Auction and unveils the full story of an enigmatic license plate from 1909 that fascinated our gallery team! Special Guest Expert Alan Young gives us the facts.

In this episode, we peel back the curtain on the research, speculation, and spirited debate that unfolded behind the scenes as our specialists worked to trace the origins of this unusual early-automotive artifact. Elizabeth walks listeners through the clues that first sparked curiosity, the investigative twists that followed, and the moment the puzzle finally clicked into place. Along the way, you’ll also hear about standout results from the Autumn Majestic Auction, from remarkable discoveries to unexpected bidding battles.

Alan Young — a noted license plate collector, historian of early plates and registrations, and member of the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association (learn more at alpca.org) — joins us to explain the surprising history behind this rare 1909 plate. Alan explains why it’s such an unusual surviving example, and what it reveals about the earliest days of American motoring.

For an even deeper dive into the story behind the plate, explore our videos:

 • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLDbo5Ww9pA

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1yLHYIK_qc&t=6s

Whether you followed the auction live or are just tuning in now, this episode delivers a lively, fact-packed journey through one of the most intriguing mysteries ever to pass through our gallery.