Marilyn Monroe’s Connecticut Driver’s License to Auction

Marilyn Monroe’s Connecticut driver’s license, signed by her as 'Marilyn Monroe Miller' is among the highlights at University Archives' February 21 Rare Signed Manuscripts, Books, Photos, and Relics sale.

The ca. July 28, 1958 license lists Monroe’s birthday, height, and address in Roxbury, Connecticut, where she lived with playwright husband Arthur Miller from 1956-1961. The estimate is $30,000 - $40,000.

A third of the sale is dedicated to U.S. Presidents, in particular Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, and John F. Kennedy. Lot 159 is a Woodrow Wilson signed declaration designating the date of a Red Cross fundraising drive for European Jews in January 1916, over a year before the U.S. officially entered World War I. The declaration names January 27, 1916 as 'Jewish Relief Day'. Other Presidential highlights include:

• an Abraham Lincoln signature as “A. Lincoln” on a blank leaf of “Executive Mansion” stationery, flanked by an etching in a gilt frame, ex-Goodspeed’s Book Shop
• a 12-page early speech draft by Ronald Reagan of the address he later delivered on March 30, 1981, the day of his near assassination by John Hinckley, Jr. Reagan extensively edited and annotated the speech draft with 770 words in his hand, signing it with his initials in one of the margins.
• a three-page manuscript document inscribed and signed by then Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson as “Examined & believed to be right / Th: Jefferson.” The document, ca. January 13-23, 1792, lists itemized expenses of the nascent federal government, including a charge for “two drafts of the federal town,” that is, the designs of French architect Stephen Hallet for the U.S. Capitol.
• a blank certificate of the Society of Cincinnati signed by George Washington in his role as society president, and countersigned by society secretary Henry Knox

Lot 431 is a two-page autograph letter in German signed by Albert Einstein explaining that he fled Europe in September 1933 because “there were plans for my assassination.” Einstein’s letter to youngest son Tetel, which has been fully translated, describes Einstein’s safe house on the English moors, his occupations, and his thoughts on the future. 

Lot 432 is a Steve Jobs signed release authorizing the use of audio of his NeXT demonstration in November 1988 as part of an educational series relating to computers and information technology.