The Desert Diamond Casino, Tucson, AZ has very recently completed a major construction project that completely replaced their Old Nogales Highway facility (a cinder-block building, a tent and a double-wide) with a Hotel, Casino and Conference Center.

The construction of the new casino complex was completed before Christmas and over night the old one was closed, moved across the street and re-opened without skipping a beat. Today officially marks, the opening of the hotel and Conference Center. As part of the celebration, they have two Limited Edition, Grand Opening chips.

A $5 (quantity 5000) and $25 (quantity TBD). HOWEVER, the $25 is not available (so far), as it was intended to be given out to tribal members initially! In the meantime, the $5 GO is currently available from the cage and through a special, poker room give-away promotion.

Each $5 chip is serial numbered and made by Chipco. Using Chipco was a last minute selection by the casino. I know this because shortly before Christmas, I interviewed the Executive responsible for the chips. In his office he showed me the Chipco artwork and actual samples of both the $5 and $25 made by GPI (Paul-Son) in a H/C mold as low-lead, clay composition chips. (My words, not his.) My interview was intended to be published in the up-coming issue of the CCTN, but the deadline could not be met, so it will have to wait until the next opportunity.

In a quantity of 5000, I suspect that there will be more than enough of these $5 GO's to go around. So for the time being, I will leave it to Tucson Smitty to acquire some of these and distribute them to collectors. Not a bad looking chip and the artwork for the $25 is different! If and when I can get one, I'll scan and post. For those who might be interested in a $25, I can tell you now that I would need funds up-front, so feel free to email me for possible acquisitions.

Jim Follis