[Apotome]

I received a couple of chips in the mail today that I won off eBay last week. And it got me wondering to myself, "why did I buy these two particular chips?"

First it should be noted that my collection of 'collectible' chips is pretty small and made up almost entirely of low value and/or common chips.

So here are the two I got most recently and why I bid on them:

1st - Casinos Nacionales $5 chip (supposedly from Panama?)


I got this chip because I didn't yet have any examples of the 'T' mold. I really liked the classic 50's style design of the inlay. I really really liked the color (sort of a moss green) being used as a $5 chip. And lastly.... because it was cheap. LOL


2nd - Hank's Country Inn 50 cent chip - Belfair WA


I got this chip because I didn't have an example of the club/triangle mold. I didn't really like the color, but I did like the name of the club it was from. I have a soft spot for these out-of-the-way sounding Inns and Casinos. There are probably just as many interesting stories that this chip could tell as could one used at Cesar's in Vegas. Oh... and of course... it was cheap. LOL

So I'm curious if any of you want to share your reasons for picking which chips to add to your collection and maybe even posting a pic or two of your most recent additions?

All the best,
Allan B.

[tomb1]

Long time ago I started to collect $5 red chips, from playing blackjack.

At first it was from casinos I visited, so they had some sentimental value (unless I lost, or course!). Then friends would bring some home for me.

Then I started looking at the devil eBay and got out of control. And then I joined this board, and all hell broke loose. Talk about a downward spiral!

At this point, I'm still focused on $5 chips (but with a few others here and there). I'll buy chips based on some of these criteria:
- good-looking chips, with cool-looking and/or classic inlays
- commemorative chips of people/bands I like
- older chips (no longer in circulation) of places I've been (like old Caesar's)
- chips from new places (like Wynn)
- unusual clay chip molds that I don't already own
- or anything else that tickles my fancy.

Sorry no pictures, but I'm away from my home computer.

[Wedge Rock]

I'm trying to collect illegal chips from the Detroit card rooms run by the mob... So far, I've only found one card room, but I've managed to get two fulls sets (thanks to Chipman on eBay) and 10 non-denominated chips (jamby).

I'd really like to find some from 21 West Elizabeth....

[Jambine]

Originally Posted by Apotome

I received a couple of chips in the mail today that I won off eBay last week. And it got me wondering to myself, "why did I buy these two particular chips?"

I can tell you why. Just look at your purchase. Classic no-spot clays, and one of them is a hot stamp no less. I recognize the symptoms. It’s a very serious viral condition called “Old School Fever”. I don’t think there is a cure.

[mizuchaud]

Crap, I recognize the symptoms in myself.
The ONLY cure is relisting the things and watching someone sicker than you bid it up WAY past where you bid originally.

Then again, I have one of those Casino Nacionales chips with the T mold and IT WON'T SELL.
WE're picking stocks here, you gotta sense the public mood.

[ross]

Originally Posted by Apotome

I received a couple of chips in the mail today that I won off eBay last week. And it got me wondering to myself, "why did I buy these two particular chips?"

I got this chip because I didn't have an example of the club/triangle mold. I didn't really like the color, but I did like the name of the club it was from. I have a soft spot for these out-of-the-way sounding Inns and Casinos. There are probably just as many interesting stories that this chip could tell as could one used at Cesar's in Vegas. Oh... and of course... it was cheap. LOL

So I'm curious if any of you want to share your reasons for picking which chips to add to your collection and maybe even posting a pic or two of your most recent additions?

All the best,
Allan B.

I do that sometimes. I got an example of different molds (here is the Triangle for example). Or that I've got the $1 and would like to have the matching $2.50/$5.00 or that its one that I've been to.

[rolandshoffinc]

I bought so many of those Casino Nacionales chips that my hands are permantely dirty from cleaning those filthy things. They are even harder to sell when they are dirty.
They are a cheap example of the T mold though and they are from Panama.
Don't worry about what to buy next just buy what seems to be a good deal. If you stick to one particular style or mold of chip then you end up overpaying for that next chip you NEEEEEED!!!!!!!!

I have done it dozens of times. (maybe more than that)
But whose counting(besides my wife)
Roland

[Couga]

I have two areas of interest that will determine if I will buy the chip or not. First, I look at chips as inexpensive pieces of art. If I like the way a chip looks, I buy it. Second, I am starting a collection of Poker Room "House" chips. Chips that are only used in the Poker Room like the $4, $10 and $20 from the Venetian, the $10 and $20 from Bellagio, and MGM etc., if I can get one that fits in the collection, I buy it.

Oh... and I always buy 2 chips of the CCGTCC, Chip of the year so I can display the front and back of the chip. I think those chips are especially cool.

Take Care,
Couga

[jamby]

Jambine is spot-on in her assessment I'm afraid.

As to what I decide to buy - my chip collecting runs the gamut, but I try to stay primarily focused on Puerto Rico, Tahoe and old Las Vegas and Reno. I have a weakness for small town Nevada casinos too. And there are some California card rooms that I am just crazy about. Limited Editions also have a special attraction for me. European jetons and plaques are nice too. Then there's Atlantic City. Oh yeah, also the riverboats. Almost forgot about the illegals and those that I buy just for the mold examples. I like the vintage chips with scimitars and other designs too.

See what I mean about running the gamut?

-jamby

Originally Posted by Jambine

I can tell you why. Just look at your purchase. Classic no-spot clays, and one of them is a hot stamp no less. I recognize the symptoms. It’s a very serious viral condition called “Old School Fever”. I don’t think there is a cure.

[DEEJAY]

I just buy what i like and enjoy, regardless of other's opinion's! Although I really respect the opinion's of other's, the final choice is mine after taking in all considerations! Have Bounty Chip Will Travel !