Lot 270

1931 Balboa Canal Zone License Plate No. 9E-2090 – Rare Original Embossed Steel Panama Canal Automobilia

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Lot 270
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1931 Balboa Canal Zone License Plate No. 9E-2090 – Rare Original Embossed Steel Panama Canal Automobilia
1931 Balboa Canal Zone License Plate No. 9E-2090 – Rare Original Embossed Steel Panama Canal Automobilia
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1931 Balboa Canal Zone License Plate No. 9E-2090 – Rare Original Embossed Steel Panama Canal Automobilia

Current Bid: $5

(1 Bid)
by California Auction Company LLC
August 1, 2026 9:00 AM PDT
Live Auction
1212 E. Harding Way
Stockton, CA, US 95205

A rare and historically significant original 1931 Balboa, Canal Zone automobile license plate, registration number 9E-2090. Manufactured in embossed steel, this scarce plate represents the Panama Canal Zone during one of the most important periods in its history, when the Canal remained under United States administration and served as one of the world's most strategically important transportation corridors. The plate bears the embossed "BAL" designation identifying Balboa, one of the principal communities of the Canal Zone located at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. Plates from the Canal Zone were produced in comparatively limited quantities and today remain considerably scarcer than contemporary United States state-issued license plates, making them highly desirable among advanced automobilia and transportation history collectors. This example survives in completely untouched "as found" condition, exhibiting decades of natural oxidation and weathering that have produced an exceptional barn-find surface. Despite the extensive patina, the embossed registration characters and Balboa designation remain readily discernible, preserving the plate's historic identity while showcasing nearly a century of authentic age. Canal Zone license plates occupy a unique place in automotive history, bridging American and Panamanian heritage while documenting one of the twentieth century's greatest engineering achievements. Original examples from the early 1930s seldom appear on the market and are eagerly sought by collectors of Canal Zone memorabilia, Panama history, automobilia, and rare international license plates. An exceptionally scarce survivor from the early automobile era, offering remarkable historical significance and outstanding untouched character.

  • Literature: Comparable references: • ALPCA (Automobile License Plate Collectors Association) archives. • Portrayal Press, License Plate History and Identification Guides. • Jeff Francis, World License Plates. • Historical references relating to Panama Canal Zone license plate issuance.
  • Circa: 1931.
  • Condition: Untouched vintage condition. Exhibits heavy overall oxidation, corrosion, surface pitting, paint loss, and extensive weathering consistent with nearly a century of exposure and storage. Embossed registration number and "BAL" designation remain visible. Mounting holes are original with expected wear. An exceptional unrestored example retaining highly desirable original barn-find patina.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 + $50