But samples maybe that someone modified and used in a bar, business, at home or something?

However, I should have known better and asked to see the backs (I didn't) because the seller was not a chipper.
She is someone selling various 'vintage items'. Picture frames. Clothes. Stuff like that.
and the pictures (not scans. Blurry digital photos) she did show where of them stacked and the metallic sticker looked more like a very dirty - or even water damaged inlay.

Being they appeared in pic to be HCE molds, I considered they might be 'old'.
But one of the manufacturers of home game chips still produces HCE's (thanks Robert for his excellent website!).
and these are purty HCE's... not old at all.

So I wouldn't call them 'fake', but uninformed seller meets the assuming, impatient buyer.

But Fred - ask to see both sides if it's not shown and you don't recognize the casino/card room and the seller isn't a chipper.
Ebay sellers say everything is old/ rare and vintage.
I don't think most are trying to mislead people... they simply don't know for sure.

But with the amount of home game sets, samples and advertising chips manufactured over the past 10 years, I am getting re-educated that there are MANY chips for sale these days that are mass produced and not what I am used to seeing.

Today was my Starting Over 101 Lesson.
If ya don't recognize the chip and casino - ask to see BOTH sides - and understand that people draw on chips, put stickers on them, or have them made - and be prepared for anything.