You may have dreamed of finding a “Treasure Map” as a child, just like the one on Treasure Island. Such dreams can come true when looking for an old map. With a basic knowledge of history and an interest in finding a deal, one can uncover some real “treasures” on old maps. Maps have been purchased for a few dollars that were actually worth the price of a house.

Even if you have been looking for the treasure map for as many years as I have, you may 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 right map can sometimes feel like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack. You should start your search by determining a selection of maps that have sold in the last two years for between $500 and $3,000. Start learning about cartographers and the editions of these maps. You’ll find sales estimates for vintage maps on major auction sites or even on eBay.

The key is knowledge, so you’ll need to learn as much as you can about the individual maps you’re looking for. I suggest you choose a cartography topic or historical period that you are 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 went there on your honeymoon. For example, your foster child is from China, so you can focus on China maps. The options are limitless. The idea is that within each field there will be some pretty rare and desirable maps that can fetch good money when sold at auction.

Once you’ve become familiar with the current retail price of your selection of maps, you’ll need to consider the condition and editions. By this I mean a specific edition, from a specific year for a map in good condition with no tears, water spots, major repairs, and good color.

By the time you’ve done the things described above, you’ll have a fair amount of knowledge about the world of old maps. Now you will start your search. In your search, you should go to all thrift 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 searching for your specific maps on the major search engines and try to find your maps. You should ask your questions about condition and editions before purchasing your maps. Try to buy them for half or a third of the price you saw them for at auction. When you put your maps up for sale at auction, you’ll be reaping the rewards and your treasure!