The Nunavut Polar Bear Sample Car License Plate from Canada, dated 1999, is a distinctive collector’s item that celebrates the unique heritage of Canada’s Arctic region. Featuring the iconic polar bear and the phrase "Explore Canada's Arctic," and the numbers '000', this metal license plate measures approximately 12" x 6" (305mm x 152mm). Manufactured in Canada

The license plate is in excellent condition (see photos).

Story of the Polar Bear Shape and the Sample License Plates: 

Upon its official formation on April 1, 1999, Nunavut adopted the iconic polar bear-shaped license plate, a design that had been in use in the Northwest Territories (NWT) since the 1970s. This was a result of an agreement between the two territorial governments. The shape itself, a silhouette of a walking polar bear, was a powerful symbol of the Arctic.

To distinguish Nunavut's plates from those of the NWT, key modifications were made. The most prominent was the inclusion of the name "NUNAVUT" in bold, blue, sans-serif font at the bottom of the plate, and tag line "Explore Canada's Arctic" at the top. 

It is standard practice for license plate manufacturers to produce sample plates to ensure quality and for distribution to law enforcement agencies for identification training. With the birth of a new territory, these sample plates served as ideal promotional items and souvenirs, celebrating this significant milestone in Canadian history. They were a tangible piece of the new territory's identity.