Why former Miss America Marilyn Van Derbur is selling her 'rare' crown and bracelet
A former Miss America has decided to pass on her crown to a new owner.
Marilyn Van Derbur, who was named Miss America in 1958, is selling the headpiece via Heritage Auctions to raise money for teachers in Colorado — marking the first time a Miss America crown has ever been auctioned.
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Marilyn Van Derbur was named Miss America in 1958, and is now auctioning off her crown. Heritage Auctions
An item usually considered "the most special thing" to own for any pageant winner, Van Derbur says she's decided to auction the crown off in light of the challenges of the pandemic.
"Because of the unexpected expenses needed for COVID protections, too many teachers are buying supplies with their own money. The funds raised will go directly to teachers in Colorado," Van Derbur wrote in a statement cited in the crown's listing.
To The Washington Post, she added, "It's one of my most prized possessions. Anyone who knows a Miss America knows that a crown is the most special thing that she would personally own."
The crown was crafted by Schoppy's jeweller in New Jersey, and is silver plated and adorned with a number of elegant Swarovski crystals. Heritage Auctions
Opening bids start at US$20,000 or $26,791 for the crown which is silver plated and adorned with elegant Swarovski crystals
Along with the crown, Van Derbur will auction the matching "crown motif" bracelet she was presented at the pageant.
The bracelet is made of the same material as the crown, and is believed to be the "only known Miss America bracelet in existence" according to the listing.
David Talarico, who crafted the crown and bracelet, as well as every crown created for the Miss America pageants, told the former pageant queen her items could sell for as much as $40,000.
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The owner of Schoppy's jeweller in New Jersey is grandson to William Schoppy, who originally crafted Van Derbur's treasured items.
Van Derbur's Miss America bracelet is believed to be the only one of its kind. Heritage Auctions
Speaking to The Washington Post, Talarico said the bracelet in particular was incredibly rare.
"[It's] the only one I've ever seen. I'm not sure why it was so rare and fleeting. I can't believe she has it."
The items are said to be in very good condition, although the crown is missing four crystals.
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