If I understand your question right you want to know which casinos chips you should buy, if they're $5 or less...without feeling that you should look them up first?

For example, El Rancho Vegas...every chip listed shows a TCR value of "D" ($10-$14) or higher, so you won't lose anything by paying $5 for any chip issued. (Unless the condition is lousy...but that's another subject )

Flamingo Capri would be another good example...every chip listed is an "H" ($30-$39) or higher, so $5 would be a bargain for any chip you can find. Even if you don't need it for your collection, you should buy it anyway because it's a safe bet that someone on the chipboard would want it.

The Four Queens, on the other hand, has some chips listed as "A" values ($1-$2), so you don't want to pay $5 for one without looking it up first. Have I got the question right?

Personally I'd say, if you like the chip for your own collection you should go ahead and buy it if it's $5 or less. If it turns out to list as an "A" you haven't lost much, and if it turns out to list as an "H" you'll love it even more!