“License Plate 99A-999.99 Sets New Record, Auction Closes at Nearly 28 Billion VND”

According to Vietnam Partnership Auction (VPA), the license plate 99A-999.99 has been successfully auctioned for VND 27.89 billion, marking the highest price ever recorded for a car license plate auction in Vietnam this year. This staggering figure has also become one of the most notable milestones since the introduction of license plate auctions.

Among car enthusiasts and license plate collectors, the five-digit sequence of 9s is revered as a symbol of eternity, longevity, and good fortune. In Vietnamese folklore, the number 9 is associated with “everlastingness,” making license plates featuring multiple consecutive 9s highly coveted as prized possessions.

The North Ninh license plate 99A-999.99 stands out due to its seven 9s, including the regional code 99, making it an exceptionally rare find in the national license plate database. This unparalleled uniqueness fueled intense competition during the auction.

VPA reports that after numerous bids, the final winning offer was confirmed at VND 27.89 billion, a figure that left many in awe. This price tag underscores the plate’s exclusivity and desirability among collectors.

Interestingly, this was not the first time the 99A-999.99 license plate was put up for auction. In August 2025, it was previously sold for over VND 21.8 billion, but the winning bidder defaulted on payment. Following this forfeiture, VPA re-listed the plate in November, where it astonishingly set a new record by surpassing its previous value by over VND 6 billion.

The nearly VND 28 billion price tag has sparked widespread debate. While some find it excessively high for a license plate, even one with feng shui significance, others argue that the purchase reflects the buyer’s passion and appreciation for symbolic value, akin to collecting luxury watches, vintage cars, or other rare license plates like “four-digit” or “five-digit” sequences.

In January 2024, Hanoi’s license plate 30K-999.99 made headlines with a record-breaking bid of VND 75.275 billion, surpassing the value of many luxury vehicles and even mansions. However, the winning bidder also defaulted on payment.

Subsequently, VPA re-auctioned the plate in April and September of the same year, fetching VND 30.65 billion and VND 22.3 billion, respectively. These fluctuations highlight the volatile nature of the premium license plate auction market, where values can shift dramatically within months.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)