The Ten Most Valuable Maps of All Time

Maps have long been more than just tools for navigation—they are windows into the past, charts of human exploration, and markers of historical milestones. Throughout history, some maps have commanded extraordinary value, often surpassing their geographical purpose to become treasures of historical and cultural significance. From rare early depictions of the world to highly sought-after pinnacles of cartographic artistry, these maps offer a glimpse into the evolving understanding of our world and cultures. In this article, we explore the ten most valuable maps sold at Sotheby’s. Objects that not only shaped the course of exploration but also set auction records. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a collector, or simply curious about the fascinating world of antique maps, read on to discover which rare and priceless maps have made their mark on history.

One of the most significant maps in American history, [Antoine Soulard], $1,744,000

The most valuable map ever sold at Sotheby’s is also one of the most important maps in American history. Created by Antoine Soulard, the surveyor-general of Spanish Upper Louisiana, it is an essential and celebrated source for Lewis & Clark and is the most important map of the upper Great Plains of the 18th century. The manuscript map is dated 1795 and shows the upper Great Plains in precise and accurate detail, displaying the upper Mississippi and Missouri, the expedition of the Spanish Company for the exploration of the Missouri River, and the encroachments of the English companies in the Spanish possessions. In fact, it remained the only current resource on Great Plains cartography into the 19th century. This landmark manuscript map sold for a record-breaking $1,744,000 on January 24, 2023.

One of the most significant maps in American history, and an essential source for Lewis & Clark, [Antoine Soulard]
'Carte nouvelle de la partie de l'ouest de la Louisianne', Bénard de la Harpe, $591,000

Next is another important map in US history, showing in remarkable detail Texas, Louisiana, and large portions of the Old Southwest. It was prepared by the French Hydrographic Office in Paris from the now lost original notes and sketches of Bénard de la Harpe. La Harpe led a French expedition to the Southwest in 1718 in an attempt to establish a French presence in the region, during which time he documented the areas and peoples he met along the way. This beautiful and important map, much more accurate than printed French maps of the period, fetched an impressive hammer of $591,000 on June 28, 2018.

'Carte nouvelle de la partie de l'ouest de la Louisianne', Jean-Baptiste Bénard de La Harpe
The Original Ink Drawing Map of the Hundred Acred Wood, E.H. Shepard, £430,000

Third on our list comes from the world of children’s books and is one of the most famous maps in English literature. The map is an original ink drawing that illustrates the hundred acre wood and its surrounding features, from Christopher Robin’s house to Pooh Bear’s house from the beloved children's work, Winnie the Pooh. E.H. Shepard was responsible for establishing the visual setting of Milne’s literary landscape. He designed the map as if Christopher Robin drew it and even included Robin’s own spellings. This charming map, dated 1926, sold for £430,000 on July 10, 2018.

SHEPARD, THE ORIGINAL MAP OF THE HUNDRED ACRE WOOD, ORIGINAL INK DRAWING, 1926
Seminal Map of the American Southwest, John, H. Robinson, $350,000

An 1819 map by John, H. Robinson, displaying Mexico, Louisiana and the Missouri Territory and additional areas, takes the fourth spot for most valuable map sold at Sotheby’s. It is the first issue of a seminal map of the American Southwest and the first map to delineate the border of Texas and Louisiana as established by the Adams-Onís treaty of 1819. The map is one of ten surviving copies and holds the distinguished provenance of being housed in the Library of Congress. It sold on January 17, 2018 for $350,000.

A Map of Mexico, Louisiana and the Missouri Territory, including also the State of Mississippi, Alabama Territory, East & West Florida, Georgia, South Carolina & Part of the Island of Cuba, by John H. Robinson.
"The Blue Map", Huang Qianren, £269,000

Moving on to a different part of the world—this large map shows China’s vast territory during the Qing dynasty. Made in 1823 during the third year of the Daoguang reign, it was a revised edition of a map that Huang Qianren created in 1767. Named “The Blue Map”, it displays a detailed portrayal of China’s dominion in a dramatic palette of deep blue and green, recalling the opaque mineral pigments of imperial court paintings of the Tang dynasty. This massive map sold on November 7, 2016 for £269,000.

[Complete Map of the Great Qing's Ten-Thousand-Year Unified [Realm of] All Under Heaven], Qianren Huang.
Archipelagus Orientalis sive Asiaticus, Joan Blaeu, £248,750

Sixth on the list is a 1659 Dutch large wall map featuring Southeast Asia and Australia. It is possibly the best general map of Dutch sea power executed in the 17th century by the Dutch East India Company cartographer, Joan Blaeu. It contains all Dutch discoveries in Australia and those in Tasmania and New Zealand following Abel Tasman's first voyage. This map is incredibly rare and is possibly only one of two known surviving copies. It sold on May 9, 2017 for £248,750.

Archipelagus Orientalis sive Asiaticus. Amsterdam: Joan Blaeu.
Totius orbis descriptio, £187,500

A map of the world circa 1570, takes the seventh spot for most valuable. It is an extremely rare first state of this large world map and it was the first to be sold at auction. It features elaborate borders and is visually one of the most striking Italian world maps of the day from the Lafreri-school of mapmakers. There are only two institutional copies of this first state on record, in the British Library and John Carter Brown Library. It fetched £187,500 on November 14, 2017.

Totius orbis descriptio, [Venice: Anonymous, c.1570?].
Manuscript map of Antarctica, Sir Ernest Shackleton, £176,400

Next on the list is a large manuscript map of Antarctica drawn and signed by Sir Ernest Shackleton. It bears the inscription date of November 27, 1918 and shows the routes relating to the historic Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914 - 1916. In 1918 Shackleton was appointed by the War Office to take charge of winter equipment on the North Russian Front, supporting the North Russian expeditionary force during WWI. Shackleton was a seasoned lecturer and this map may have been drawn by Shackleton to illustrate a talk during his voyage with General Maynard from Murmansk for London on the cruiser HMS Dublin. This large manuscript map sold for £176,400 on May 24, 2022.

Sir Ernest Shackleton | Large manuscript map of Antarctica drawn and signed by Shackleton and dated 1918.
Untitled chart of "The Great Pacific Ocean" and "South Pacific Ocean", £134,000

Next, is the first printed map of Cook’s discoveries from his first voyage and is the earliest cartographical depiction of Cook’s exploration of New Zealand and Australia. This map was commissioned from the engraver John Bayly by Sir Joseph Banks, who had taken part in Cook's first voyage. It is one of only three known copies, which helped it to fetch an impressive £134,000 on March 27, 2014.

Untitled chart of "The Great Pacific Ocean" and "South Pacific Ocean".
Landmark Map of Texas, David H. Burr, $150,000

The last on our list is a pocket map engraved by S. Stiles & Co. Created in 1833 by David H. Burr, the Geographer to the United States House of Representatives, this is a first state map of one of the most important and handsome maps of Texas ever printed. This highly influential map remained the standard view of the area until the eve of the Revolution. This map is a rare find, made rarer as it was accompanied by a manuscript map of Matagorda and Lavaca Bays on the verso. The map sold for $150,000 on May 27, 2020.

BURR, DAVID H. | Texas. New York: J. H. Colton & Co., 1833.

The allure of valuable maps lies in their ability to tell stories—stories of discovery, conquest, and innovation. These centuries-old treasures are a glimpse into the past and hold timeless appeal for historians, collectors, and history enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to own a piece of history or simply appreciate the beauty and significance of cartographic artistry, Sotheby's continues to offer exceptional opportunities to acquire these rare and historic objects. Stay tuned for future sales and explore the world of historic maps by visiting Sotheby’s Books and Manuscripts.