Thanks Andy-

That info makes all of this uproar seems a little silly if you ask me. First of all, while it would be nice to see completely new chips, I'd say the same chips in a new holder goes a long way toward creating a new issue. THose who spent $400 on an autographed set did so for the case and the dated autograph. So the market is NOT about to be flooded with new examples of what they purchased. And if they're serious collectors, they'll probably want the new set as well.

On top of that, if it turns out that there are actual differences in things like the UV markings, then I would say that COMBINED WITH THE NEW CASE this is absolutely a new set of chips, and will most likely be treated the same way by colletors.
Is a new case plus new markings in any form all that different from adding a date to the new chips like many of those complaining about the reissue have suggested.

SOunds to me like we're about to haave a new Barris 2002 set out there. The value of loose chips may drop if they're indistinguishable, but the value of the original Barris '97 set should stay the same, and the new set may very well end up worth just as much.

In the meantime, those who simply want cool chips have a new chance to score these.

I look forward to hearing opposing opinions from those more knowlegdable on the way the market works.