Mary Bank Appraisal

Vintage Virgin Mary Piggy Bank

This item is a vintage-style piggy bank molded in the form of the Virgin Mary, likely dating from the mid to late 20th century. It is constructed from a translucent, milky-white plastic, possibly celluloid or an early acrylic, giving it a soft, ethereal glow. The figure stands upright, with hands clasped in prayer, and is draped in flowing robes. Distinctive features include a slot for coin insertion located on the chest area, just below the neck. The eyes are partially obscured by the plastic's opacity, adding to its devotional aesthetic. A rosary is depicted in relief, or possibly painted on, dangling from the hands and extending down the front of the figure; its beads are small, and the crucifix at the end is clearly visible. A portion of the robe, near the left arm (viewer's right), is painted a vibrant blue, indicating the traditional Marian blue. The figure rests on a light blue, ridged circular base, which serves as the bottom for the bank. The base appears to be made of a different, more opaque plastic than the figure itself, and possibly functions as the opening mechanism to retrieve saved coins. The overall condition shows signs of age-related wear, including some minor surface discoloration or patina, visible as darker spots, particularly on the base and around the coin slot. There are no obvious cracks or major chips, suggesting reasonable preservation for its age. The craftsmanship is fairly simple, indicative of mass-produced religious merchandise rather than fine art, but it holds nostalgic and collectible value for many.