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WHAT
SHOULD I COLLECT?
Many
factors enter into this equation, most notably income
and interest. Rare, highly sought-after maps can be
very expensive, sometimes reaching five figures, but
others can be classified as the most undervalued of
antiques. In what other field could you find an original
art item from the 1500’s for less than $250.00?
The
good news is that there are many maps still available
from around $30 to less than $100. The collector of
maps from the 1800’s could still amass a decent collection
without taking out a bank loan.
Most
collections are based around a theme, most usually
a country or area of the world, but others may concentrate
on a time period or particular mapmaker.
Other
enthusiasts may look for magnificent maps of less
popular areas such as France, India, Russia, much
of South America, North Africa etc, where again a
map from a famous maker such as Blaeu or Ortelius
may cost less than one fifth of a similar item from
high demand areas such as North America, Malta, Cyprus,
West Indies, Singapore, Japan or China.
As
a general rule it is worth buying the oldest map in
the best condition that one can afford. These are
the maps that are likely to be least the obtainable
in the future.
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