John Quincy Adams, Alligator – $500 – $5K
This alligator was no “ordinary” pet as he was privileged to live in the White House (in a prestige bathtub in the East Room). Former President John Quincy Adams was an exquisite man himself and only dared to be different from the pack.
Though the animal was not purchased but was gifted the president by Marquis de Lafayette (a French general), it still required an estimated $5,000 to maintain his proper upkeep and sustenance. Having an alligator in close range can be a fearful experience let alone living in the same building with one…but oh well, he was trained.