Gene- Well that's just plain stupid. I was thinking more of pocketing for future collectors, and pulling them out in five years.

But yes, I am sure security is tight. I would have to imagine that they'd weigh the debree or do something similar to make sure everything was destroyed. But your story seems to indicate that they didn't realize the chips were missing until the moron tried to cash 'em in.

As always, thanks for the intersting history lesson.