How to make money from old maps and where to find old maps
As a child, you may have dreamed of finding a “Treasure Map,” like the one on Treasure Island. Such dreams can come true when looking for an ancient map. With a basic knowledge of history and an interest in finding a deal, one can discover some real “treasures” on old maps. Maps have been bought for a few dollars that were actually worth the price of a house.
Even if you’ve been searching for the Treasure Map for as many years as I have, you might not find it. However, you can easily double or triple your money when you know what to look for on an old map.
Finding the correct map can sometimes seem like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack. You should begin your search by determining a selection of maps that have sold in the last two years for between $ 500 and $ 3,000. Get to know the cartographers and editions of these maps. You’ll find old map sales estimates on major auction sites or even eBay.
Knowledge is the key, so you will need to learn as much as you can about the individual maps you are looking for. I suggest that you choose a cartography topic or historical period that you might be interested in learning about. Consider maps made during the American Civil War, maps of the Republic of Texas, maps of Scotland if you are of Scottish descent, or maps of Rome if you were there on your honeymoon. For example, your adopted son is from China, so you can focus on maps of China. The options are limitless. The idea is that within each field there are a few rather rare and desirable maps that can make good money when sold at auction.
When you are familiar with the current selling price of your selection of maps, you will need to consider the condition and editions. By this I mean a specific edition, of a specific year for a map in good condition, without tears, water stains, major repairs and that has good color.
When you have done the things described above, you will have a fair amount of knowledge about the world of ancient maps. Your search will now begin. In your search, you should go to all consignment stores and thrift stores in your area. Visit antique stores and old bookstores and ask if they have old maps. By doing this, you will be able to handle old maps and become familiar with them.
Then I invite you to go online and start looking for specific maps in the main search engines and try to find your maps. You should ask your questions about the status and editions before purchasing your maps. Try to buy them at half or a third of the price you saw them for at auction. When you put your maps up for sale at auction, you will reap the rewards and your treasure!