It has been a while since I wrote anything involving chips. Normally, I would do an article on a small town casino and cause individuals to go hunting for the previous owners/operators.<g> Not today!

Today, I want to discuss collecting chips from Nevada, specifically - Reno. In my opinion, Reno is one of the most neglected collecting areas in Nevada. If you discuss Nevada chips with a fellow collector you will probably discover he/she collects Las Vegas only, either downtown or the strip. The victim of incorrect specialization coupled with a lack of knowledge. Don't misunderstand what I am saying, there is nothing wrong with specialization. We all must specialize or go bankrupt in trying to collect everything. However, specialization should never stop one from picking up chips that are a bargain. Right now - Reno is a bargain!!! Chips from Reno are over looked. The Nevada collector is looking for Las Vegas chips. The money is burning a whole in the pocket but no new Las Vegas chips. Just the same chips, show after show after show. The 30 or so deep pocket Nevada (Las Vegas) collectors have already bought up those few choice pieces that come on the market due to death, sickness, forced sale or whatever. All that is left are those same old tired pieces that "everyone" owns.

You know who I'm writing about. The individual who goes from one high priced dealer to another - finding nothing! Got any Vegas??? Nothing you don't already have comes the reply. What about Reno? Nah - don't collect Reno. Can't afford to collect everything <g>. Try XYZ over there I think he has a $5,000 Riv he picked up in an estate sale. Let me go see. Thanks for the tip. I got the Riv for $4,800.00 such a steal!! Listen I got a $5.00 Lawton Springs I'll let you have for $250.00. Nah - it's a hot stamp and besides, I don't collect Reno. I hear it at every show I attend.You wonder how they became successful in their business. They over pay for one piece and neglect to pick up the bargain. Go figure!

I know collectors who ONLY collect Vegas, only collect riverboats, only collect Indian casinos, etc. They collect only one denomination from one place or one denomination from everywhere or some combination of both. They go to a chip show or gathering eagerly looking for that "gem" to put into their collection. Meanwhile they pass upon "steals" because they don't collect from there. If asked, they will tell you they don't have the money to "buy everything" they specialize - yet they own every LE ever issued in every denomination from every State.

Most Reno chips are a bargain. They should be purchased now before they catch on. Will they catch on? You bet, and when they do the bargains will disappear just like most 10 cent and 50 cent chips have. We have an older couple who are members of the Southern Nevada Chapter of the CC>CC. They collect only Las Vegas. Their collection is topped out. They cannot find any "new" pieces and they are beginning to lose interst in chip collecting. I suggested they collect Reno. They looked at me and said "we can't afford to collect everything". Yeah, right! They too have all Nevada LEs.

Reno, Nevada has more history, stories and valuable chips than anywhere else in the world! I know that's a big statement but if you study Reno history you will see what I say is true. No town has a greater mystic when it comes to folklore. So many casinos have come and gone. Won and lost in poker games, duels, and just plain stolen. Johhny Cash sings of the "man he shot in Reno just to watch him die". Show me a chip collector who has not heard of Harold's Club and I'll show you someone who should not collect chips.<g> It is no secret Reno is in trouble. It has dropped from the second biggest city in Nevada to third. Reno's casinos are old, the key justification for tearing them down if you listen to those who could care less about history. A study of Reno history gives those little pieces of clay - life!!! Too collect Reno chips will expose one to all types of different denominations, molds, chip compositions etc. Cowboys were herding steers down Virginia street in downtown Reno when Las Vegas was still a desert. I am sure you have heard of the Mapes. What a grand place. To walk by it one can feel the history ooze from the bricks. No place in the world combines such colorful history with gaming.

Next time you see that Reno chip under priced - grab it! You won't be sorry. In fact you may even like it.<g> Best, Jim