To be specific, you can use "year of manufacture" plates. Maine got black-on-white plates in 1973 (stamped expiration 74) that were renewed with validation stickers. These lasted until 1986-87 when the lobster plates took over.

You can run these plates on an antique, that has a valid antique registration, for the valid antique reasons listed on the DMV affidavit. (Mostly not daily use or for hire.) Just carry your state-issued antique plates with you in the car. The DMV and cops have no record whatsoever of those plates you got at a flea market.