Bob:

I'm glad you mentioned the AC situation.
I can't imagine anyone NOT calling the first issue of the SANDS, TROP, SHOWBOAT, BALLYS, RESORTS, etc chips OBSOLETE.

But, like you said, you can still cash them in at the cage - as far as I know.

Since you can NOT get them FROM the CASINO playing tables, I consider them Obsolete.

When Caribbean casinos close or change names/chips and you can't walk into a casino and get the old chips, I again consider those obsolete.

Just my opinion - Scott