Gene, I searched YouTube and found them in use in 2007 during Season 2 which was played at South Point. The story about "a few hands" would seem to be incorrect as the chips appear in every episode I've checked from Ep 1 through to Ep 60. The chips didn't chasnge over until Season 3.

My friend (who's surname just happens to be Ivey...just not Phil) played in Season 6 which was aired 2012 but was recorded October 2009. These episodes were filmed back at the Golden Nugget. When he finished his time on the show (I believe Eps 25 or 26-30) he asked the producer/guy in charge if he could take some of the chips as souvenirs...obviously as they were still be used he wouldn't let them go but he did give Craig a few sets of the PAD chipcos from previous seasons.

As you mentioned Gene, at the start os S6 Ep25 they are showing a player holidng the old PAD chipco $5000 so they were still be used as props for the openers and still floting around with the producer.

So it would seem that only Gene's set and the $100's originally posted by the guy in the 2009 thread have surfaced although there may be many others out there that have been souvenired to non collectors or even the pros that played throughout the series. Craig managed to score himself 3 sets from 25-5000.

If anyone can give me a rough estimate of value for him that would be much appreciated. You can alweays email me tim@australianchipguide.com.au