I made the most 'rookie' of mistakes possible by not paying attention to a chip I was bidding for on Jackpot Auctions. I wanted a $5 El Rancho house chip with the "windmill" hot stamp inlay and KNEW there was a reproduction out there. I also know that the real house chip has a hub mold. Regardless, what i saw when viewing the auction was "El Rancho Vegas" "1969" and "Light table wear" in the auction description.
Must have been on drugs or something because I didn't notice the 'crown' mold or the TCR # that was listed and bid $15 on it. The scan of the chip in question is below. There IS a happy ending though, I was outbid ..Thank God
Lessons learned?
Pay attention to the molds on known reproductions
Take your time when bidding on any auction
Be willing to get stuck if you goof
Wait til the convention to buy obsoletes