But these could be "rare" soon as they are obsolete. (humor alert)

Scandia and Casino de Ithmus seem to be two that were produced in larger numbers than the rest of the home play. Pyramid and Casino De Mexico are also high volume chips.

A buck each is a good deal for any chip?

There are varities of some of the Fantasy chips, but since there are only about three people (Gene, Don and I?) who activly collect them, I'd say there isn't much documentation on that factor.

Paulson cranked out the Presidents on three different molds, with and without values and with assorted colors/inserts, full size graphics and standard inlays.

I've always had the suspicion that the Presidents were machinery setup chips. (or sweepers as they have come to be called)