SEA ANIMALS

These are variations of the California Coastal Commission specialty, a.k.a. the “Whale Tail” plate (1997, 2001, 2011).

Florida has a whale plate of its own, as well as ones for the manatee and wild dolphins. Mississippi also has a dolphin protection plate, but Washington’s wildlife specialty with an orca is unique.

FISH

Florida residents have many specialty options, even just within the category of marine life. Bass, trout, and salmon have all graced plates from various states.

OTHER

Maine is famous for lobsters, and it’s been on both a general issue (left) and a specialty (right).

Maine was the first to feature a loon plate, and several other “M” states followed suit.

Whether decorating a southern marsh, making a pilgrimage on a beach, resting by a river, or crawling along the bottom of the bay, other animals make at least part of their home in the water.