Using age as the sole basis for valuation is very dangerous, however. Some maps were issued in small numbers and are relatively rare. If other conditions that enhance value are present the map is further enhanced by rarity, but rarity alone does not create value. SIZE Most collectors prefer large maps. Such maps are usually more de-tailed and more decorative.
Some collectors do prefer smaller maps since they are less expensive and easier to store.
To take one example, Ortelius and de Jode both produced similar maps at about the same time. However, Ortelius produced far more editions of his atlas than de Jode, and de Jode maps are roughly triple the price of Ortelius maps. Many people buy maps intending to frame them and display them in their homes or offices. Such people are more attracted to a map with scrollwork, fancy borders, sea monsters, fine coloring, etc., than to a plainer map of the same region and age. Some collectors also specialize in decorative maps.