First, I began collecting design clays and ivories and then when the clays played out, picked up a few Nevada one dollar chips--not witht he idea of getting anything back in time just as an interesting collection. My Nevadas spilled over into Dakota (where I grew up and worked), California (where I was born, lived and played), Colorado (because I visited there) and into river boats, Indians and because of Archie Black, AC chips. Finally, I had some unknown chips that turned out to be illegal club chips and I was hooked on them--now have illegal chips from every state. One thing I am doing; I buy what I can afford; one thing I am not doing is collecting with a view of increasing the value of the collection; I'll leave the selling to my kids and my executor. I buy stocks, spiders, and funds for groweth; I buy chips for fun. Welcome to the hobby.