Supply and demand: Some subjects are more sought after than others and have become quite difficult to find, this drives up the price.  MapsandArt.com strives to offer a fair market price based on auction results, the price of our competitors and our professional opinion of the value of the piece of art.

Identity: Historical importance, age, famous artist, engraver or map-maker, size and display qualities, aesthetics and decorative qualities all affect the value of art.

Condition:  Art, prints or maps in good condition have more value than those that suffer from a bad backing in a frame, severe creases, large tears and major stains.  MAPSandART.com tries to always offer you works on paper that are in good condition.  Each piece of art has a description of its condition.

Color:  Either in black and white or in color it is important for the colors to be vibrant and not have faded from extended exposure to UV light.

Original or reproduction:  Reproductions are not worth a fraction of the original.  Always buy an original print, artwork on paper or old map.  Reproductions are sometimes more expensive to buy than an original, but are not really worth much.  Go for the original!