Knowing what you are buying is no help if an x-ray is needed to spot repairs.

Knowing the reputation of the seller isn't enough. You need to know the reputation of his sources and his sources sources all the way back to the person who bought it at the casino.

This is all a great arguement for slabbing - which I HATE. I have sworn I would never buy a slabbed chip, but if it comes down to that or quiting collecting the chips I love? I don't know. Hard Rocks and all this modern stuff with cars, naked girls and 80's rock bands on it does nothing for me. If I can't collect the old stuff, I'm outa here.