......I think you did the right thing by disclosing how many of the chips you had. I have always felt that these disclosures fall under the "not legally but ethically bound" category, especially if you want to build a good reputation with your fellow collectors.

I have seen others, particularly sellers on eBay with no real interest in chipping who come across a "rare" chip/chips get raked over the coals by people on this board over that very issue. Some people need to realize that a seller has EVERY right to respond to an inquiry of "How many do you have?" with "Is is none of your damned business." You don't like the answer, don't buy the chip. I have been BURNED by it before, but the bottom line is "caveat emptor".

Also realize that you will never, ever, get everyone here to agree with you or like that way you go about your business. Some folks will throw darts, and worse (as you have seen) just because.

Determining value on any in demand and hard to find chip is very difficult. I say the value is whatever you can get for it on the market.

If I were you, brand new to the hobby and unsure who to trust in a trade, I would keep the nicest examples of each and eBay the rest, one piece at a time. Then, you can use the proceeds to get your collection underway.

Also, join the club, go to the convention, meet some people. There really are many good chippers in the club, folks who I would buy/sell/trade with and gladly take the "worst" of it, lol, because they are good people, who have done the same for me.

Good luck and enjoy!