Bill, and other readers...

The first time I used one of those chip/key ring holders (for a first issue, Luxor $5 Chipco (Nefrititi) it did not take too long for the chip to become damaged!

There were 2 main issues. 1.) being on a key ring, the keys would scrape, scratch and ding the exposed surfaces of the chip. 2.) The chip would spin around within the holder and wear off the edge printing.

So, in an effort to avoid this wear I tried cutting 2 circular, clear plastic disks and used them to cover the exposed sides of the chip. The material I used was 'clear' Vu-Graph sheets (what was once used for overhead projectors) but also found that cutting up the little pocket protectors used for sport cards also worked.

This effectively protected the chip from getting scrapes, scratches and dings from keys, and since it was a tighter fit in the bezel, the chip did not spin around, so edge wear was reduced. HOWEVER, no chip can whithstand damage forever in a key ring, so I suggest rotating the chip used at least yearly.

My experince also included the use of those chip/money clip holders. They too have the same issues, albeit only one side of the chip is exposed. However, you should still use 2 of the clear plastic disks because the inside of the chip holder is not smooth, and many have a raised metal ring that will cut into the surface of the chip.

Over time you will see the plastic getting scratched and hard to see through. When this happens you then realize how much damage could have been done to your chip! I change the plastic disks from time-to-time. Lastly, with regard to the money clips, evidently, the metal used for the cap that screws over the bezel to hold the chip in place, is rather light weight. I had one that the rim of that retaining cap wore through and allowed a very sharp edge to pop-up, very much like the lid of a tin can when removed with a can opener! I guess the continual movement in my pocket had its own wear and tear on the money clip.

However, I have stopped using money clips and key chains to display chips as they still get damaged and I would never, ever put a valuable chip into either.

But they sure do look nice!

Good luck,

Jim