Pair of Vintage New Mexico "Land of Enchantment" License Plates, 1957 & 1972

A pair of original New Mexico passenger plates spanning fifteen years of Land of Enchantment history. The earlier plate, dated 1957, reads 7-6773 in embossed green characters on a cream field, with the Zia sun symbol centered between the digits and "57 NEW MEXICO 57" along the bottom edge. The later plate, dated 1972, reads BXP-559 in embossed red on a white field, with the Zia symbol again separating the alphabetic prefix from the numeric suffix. The 1972 plate retains an original 1982 NEW MEXICO validation sticker (registration #82494156) in the lower-right corner, indicating the plate remained in active service for a decade.

Both plates are steel, unmarked on the reverse, and embossed in the period manner. The 1957 plate shows the heavy oxidation typical of mid-century New Mexico plates that lived outdoors through the dry desert decades; the 1972 plate has fared better, with most of its original finish intact. Together they make a solid display pair for a garage, bar, ranch office, or Route 66 collection — particularly meaningful for southern New Mexico provenance.

CONDITION

Good overall with age-appropriate wear. The 1957 plate shows rust, oxidation, and visible surface corrosion throughout, with finish fading from exposure to the elements; embossed numerals and legends remain fully legible. The 1972 plate shows lighter fading and edge wear with the 1982 validation sticker still adhered.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Each Plate: 6" H × 12" W × 1/16" D
• Material: Steel, unmarked
• 1957 Plate Number: 7-6773
• 1972 Plate Number: BXP-559 (with 1982 validation sticker, reg. #82494156)
• Quantity: 2 plates