Wall maps began appearing in American classrooms in the 1940s. This one was produced by Chicago-based Nystrom in 1951. At more than 5 feet wide, it makes a big statement for just $400.
This panoramic view of Spokane in 1890 was given to attendees of the Northwest Industrial Exposition, which the city hosted the same year. Touting its natural resources as "Not Equalled by Any City In the World," the map is on the market for $220 (13"W x 6"H).
Made by French artist Raymond Bonheur in 1840, the ornate border (a hallmark of decorative maps) on this hand-colored engraving illustrates North America's variety of flora and fauna. Worth $295 (16"W x 13"H), the map includes a snake with visible pencil marks, which slightly decreases its price.
This 1794 map of the United States was one of the first to depict an American eagle. That feature combined with obsolete state lines (North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia extend west to the Mississippi River, for example) make it worth about $875 (9"W x 8"H).
More artistic than technical, illustrated maps were a common way to promote tourism in the early 20th century. This 1935 example, by artist Ruth Taylor White, tells the history of Delaware and now fetches $45 (9"W x 12"H); especially popular destinations, such as Hawaii, command up to $125.
Created by Anthony Finley, the top cartographer in the U.S. in the 1820s, this map was engraved then colored by hand in 1827. The bold rendition of Maine was part of Finley's New General Atlas, the best-selling atlas of its time. The Finley name ups the estimate to $120 (9"W x 11½"H).
Rail maps from the 19th and early 20th centuries display the country's dizzying number of lines at the time. This 1887 piece shows the Old Colony Railroad network, which chugged through Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard. Today, the map nets $75 (8"W x 15"H).
This 1862 map of Vermont and New Hampshire exhibits the distribution of townships, post offices, and rail-roads. Taken from an atlas, it goes for about $50 (17"W x 24"H). Look out for curious spellings like Lake Winnepiskogee (now spelled Winnipesaukee), which add interest and value.
In 1913, the U.S. Geographical Survey sold lithographs of all the National Parks to the public for just 25 cents. This one details the topography of Oregon's Crater Lake and commands $275 (16½"W x 18½"H). The ex-library stamps and pencil marks don't affect the cost because it still frames nicely.