the fifty center is both sides of one chip. Is this also the case for the $1 chip scans?

In any event, it is still within the realm of possibilities, given the quality control issues of chip manufacture and inlay printing, that a given supply of inlays (a bucket or basket full) may contain a mix of different versions and therefore end up on the same chip.

I've read Michael's 3rd post and still see this chip as a non-faded version of the ink, just a different shade, perhaps even brown vs. gold.

But all of us are guys and we perceive color with an accuracy that is less than exact. And given that we all have different computer monitors, etc., etc., etc., maybe a hands-on examination is needed.

I would suggest to Michael to ask the opinion of people with printing experience. There are a few collectors here that also have a printing background that can speak to color variations and causes.

Jim