9. Three Leopards
To King Henry III as a gift
Given by: Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II; estimated value: $7,500*
This list has shown you that there have been a number of historically significant presentations that raise eyebrows. Even in the 1200s, exotic animals were popular, and King Henry III was the primary supporter of obtaining them as gifts. Most of the Royal Menagerie was founded by King Henry III and was originally kept in the Tower of London.
@Phillip Allaway/SShutterstock Leopards
Frederick II, the Holy Roman Emperor, presented King Henry III with three leopards as a gift to commemorate his engagement to Eleanor of Provence in 1235. For what it’s worth, some historical narratives claim that lions, not leopards, were the gift.
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