... is what you're actually talking about, David. In this case, the market availability of the chips was limited, because, as I understand it, two dealers (Mel & Armin) had a corner on the market -- they bought all of the chips. Assuming they were unwilling to flood the market with them all at once, the fact that they might have held some back did not make the chips any more scarce. While this might raise the prices a little, it shouldn't make much difference in their value to a knowledgeable collector. Eventually, they'll all come out.

On the other hand, chips that are scarce are scarce, no matter whether one dealer has them all or several dealers have a few each. Fifty chips is fifty chips -- and it ain't many.

I wouldn't pay much of a premium for the regular issue SJ's chips, but the special issues are very limited and, in my opinion, worth the premium value assigned in both of the CA chip guides.

Excellent question, though, David -- one we all need to think about. Anyone who doubts that just has to read the threads on the Horseshoe chips!!
----- jim o\-S