IMPERIAL CROWN OF THE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE 10TH CENTURY
Presumably made for Otto the Great, this crown was used by the Holy Roman Emperors until the end of the empire in 1806. It is made from eight plates of gold, giving it a distinct octagonal shape, which are held together with two strips of iron as well as a bejewelled cross and arch. It is adorned with precious stones and gems, such as sapphires and amethysts, while four of the plates are also decorated with biblical figures and scenes from the Old Testament, including King Soloman and King David.