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The sower is front and center on Nebraska's new license plates.

Unveiled Tuesday, the design for the new plates is the first to feature the iconic statue from atop the state Capitol — an image that is "absolutely unique" to Nebraska, Gov. Pete Ricketts said during a news conference at the statehouse.

Beginning in January, some 5.2 million of the plates will begin to replace the meadowlark-and-goldenrod models bolted to bumpers across the state since 2011. Those old plates should be phased out within a year.

Ricketts called the new design "beautiful."

"This brings in a lot of the themes of Nebraska and is a great way for us to brand our state," he said.

The sower is flanked by the years 1867 and 2017 in navy blue, a nod to the state's sesquicentennial. And "NEBRASKA" is printed in gold-colored lettering across the top over a navy background, mirroring the colors on the state flag.

License plate numbers will appear in black, making them easier for law enforcement to read, Ricketts said.

State law requires new plates be issued every six years.