I've always avoided starting a token collection, just because they have never really excited me like chips, and I wanted to pour all of my collecting dollar into what I liked the most. But, lately I've been getting interested in the proof-like tokens issued by the Franklin Mint back in the 1960's. So, a few questions....

1. I just bought the set you see below (my first) on eBay and noticed that the tokens frequently slip out of the holes in the cardboard holders. Since the holders are shrink-wrapped, it's impossible to keep the tokens displayed right-side-up when they keep coming out of the holders. This drives me a little nuts, but I'm guessing that it would be dumb to remove the shrink wrap, as the value is probably higher for the sealed set of four together. Am I thinking right?

2. Are these "proof-like" tokens pretty much identical to actual tokens that were used in the casinos (except for the quality of the strike)?

3. If there ARE differences between the Franklin Mint tokens and live tokens used, typically which has more value, a Franklin Mint or a live token in good circulated condition?

4. Do serious token collectors look down their noses at these sets, since they were put together specifically for collectors and make it too easy to amass a collection of vintage tokens?

5. Not a Franklin Mint question, but does anybody have an idea about how many $1 different route tokens there are in existence for the Las Vegas area if I were to venture down that collecting road?