Question for Casino Chip Collectors.

If it is a current publication, my local library might have it. They have a very good selection of material for a community site. I have my own books for information on coins and paper currency, but until now, I haven't been giving my chip collection much thought. This all started because I took an actual physical inventory of my currency. I ran across my chips and started thinking, they were never inventoried or currently valued. So here I am.

 

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The 1st Edition was published in 1995, ISBN 0-307-09364-6. I don't know if any newer editions exist.

When you mentioned that you have a lot of clay chips, it got me thinking. Personally, I would be really concerned about them because they are more susceptible to damage or breakage than the newer plastics and composites.

I just checked JP's Corner, and you can buy the AirTites in bulk quantity of 250 and with the accent rings, it would cost about $130 for them.

http://www.jpscorner.com/wholesale-airtite-holders-and-rings.html

Chris

 

Yes, the clays can chip on you. (Sorry for the pun) I have used the ANA Library to research some of my casino chips. The staff their was very helpful going through the archives while I was using their computer. At one time the Casino Chip and Gaming Token Society had their offices in the ANA headquarters building. That's why they have all the old reference materials and society publications. If it isn't there, it just isn't. I spent the whole day and got quite an education. My son came with me to help. Since he is an United Airlines employee of over 18 years, we flew stand-by for free. :>)

Thanks for the Airtite information. My wife would call that a half price sale for the 250 quantity. I'll probably go that route. I can insert the chips after I photograph each piece. I can then put my inventory control number on each Airtite as a safer alternative than attaching directly to the chip.

 

Jerry at JP's Corner is a good guy, and he ships promptly. If you ever have any questions, you can call him, and he will do his best to give you answers.

Gee! With the savings you will now make on the AirTites, you might as well go ahead and order the 2x2 boxes for storage. LOL! Each box holds 37 AirTites.

Chris

 

Chris;

What mm are your rubber insert rings. Yours look to be the same size through out. I'll have to order them along with the Airtites. I believe the rings are purchased separately. If I read his chart right, several sized rings will fit the same Airtite. That's why they are not included in the price.

 

I started photographing the chips independently after my last post. I have now documented my 100th chip and thought I would take a break. An interesting observation: I have found only five chips which have a different image on each side. I found only three which have actual printing on the edge. Lastly, I'm starting to get the urge to go back to Las Vegas. :>) This is the 100th chip I photographed. I noticed it mentioned the theme park which helps identify the issue.

 

Are obsolete chips (i.e. no longer accepted at the casino) worth face value (at a minimum) to collectors?

 

If the casino was well known or was historical in nature, it may be the chips are worth much more than face value. First and second issue chips can be desirable, even if the casino is still operating. It has similarities like the coins you collect. Condition plays a part as well.

 

Yeah, but does it retain a minimum collector's value equal to the face denomination?

If it doesn't, what would be the point of collecting $100 casino chips if there was a chance it becomes obsolete and is worth less that $100. Not a very affordable way of indulging a hobby! Just asking cause most U.S. coins at least can be cashed in at the bank for face value.

 

I always wondered this but assumed the chips were not usable when collected??

 

It's the pattern on the chip, not the printed value, that makes a chip worth while and collectable. No need to save $100 chips. Unless that is your specialty. Roulette chips have no value printed on them, but the right combination of design, casino, age, history and even composition, could make them very valuable.

Evidently, you must be pleased to know your 1909S VDB is still worth a penny at a bank? If you own one, I'm sure that wouldn't make you happy. Like anything else, it's knowing what to collect, you just don't go out and collect everything you find.

 

Like collecting coins, collecting casino chips can be lots of fun if you ignore the "bottom line". If the bottom line is all that matters, then you might just as well collect CPA's.

Chris

 

I get it guys. I am not familiar with the casino chip collecting so I was just wondering if the face value of the chip mattered with regards to the collectors value. Jeez. My 1909S vdb is worth more than 1 cent - I know that, but my 2014-D cent is worth at a minumum 1 cent. (or in bigger terms, my 1928 $100 dollar bill is worth more than $100 to a collector, but my 2009 $100 bill is worth $100 to a collector, and at a minimum $100 to me via a bank deposit). Can you say that is true about the rarest $100 chip versus the most common $100 chip? Is the former worth a lot more than $100 and is the latter worth at least $100 or is it worth much less?

Appreciate the response and education...thanks!

 

If you substitute chip where you say coin or bill and casino where you say bank, you have a fair idea of the process. Not perfect but close enough. Casino's have no time limit for honoring their chips. You do realise our government does not honor many bills that were printed for circulation? Just like chips, their value is only with collectors. You can say the same thing for any collectable.