And of course TCR prices are dealer asking prices in general, not what you could sell one of your own chips for. That means TCR prices should be about twice what you could expect to pay another collector for one (or trade value, if you're not buying). It's comparable to Red Book coin prices, rather than Blue Book prices, if you've ever collected US coins.

Dealer mark-up for small collectibles (like coins) is typically about 2X.

However, there are only a couple of full-time chip dealers left, and even they have been forced to sell at a smaller mark-up these days to interest collectors. Rene'N left Las Vegas and is selling second hand items in CA because he couldn't find a way to make a living at selling chips. Tough business. On-line auctions have had a big impact on chip prices as well, mainly because they increase exposure of casino items for sale.