Warning: Long post!

Just “spitballing” here … In the event some chips (or a collection!) are stolen, or ownership otherwise disputed, I was musing about how to document the uniqueness of a chip vs. others in the same lot. Something that would be persuasive with insurance adjusters or even law enforcement, if necessary.

Of course, the best identification is a serial number on a chip or jeton/plaque. Second, is any “error” chips in a collection that exist in small numbers. And third, if a focus on “rare” chips where few are known to survive at all.

Other than general scans or photos of chips, it gets down to determining what makes one chip different from others in the same rack? Here’s a few ideas, plus an illustration with 3 chips.

Orientation of side A to side B: Place a chip with the horizon level with the printing or image. Note where 12 o’clock is. Then turn it over. Often, the top of side B is at / about 6 o’clock of side B. But there can be slight or major differences.

Orientation of inserts: Inserts may be at 12 o’clock (plus 4 & 8 o’clock, for a 3-insert pattern), but often they’re off a bit. Say 11:45, or 12:15, etc. And on side B, the orientation may be reversed (6 – 10 – 2 o’clock, for example).

Orientation of Inlay (or hot-stamp): The inlay may not be exactly centered on one or both sides. (“Well-centered” is the term.) Note any off-centering, and in the case of non-round inlays (e.g. Scalloped, Hub, etc.), they may orient to one of the mold elements (e.g. H&C).

Wear: Overall wear varies with condition, of course. And edge nicks may help distinguish one chip from another also. (Not sure what’s the best way document these?)

Other anomalies: On occasion, a chip may have a stray dot of clay molded in the wrong place, other marks or discolorations, unique wear patterns (especially with hot-stamps), etc.

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Note -- these characteristics can be tedious to detail (!) though most can be captured with a scan or photo of sufficient detail.

Here’s 3 chips (sides A & B) locked into rectangular holders to see the opposite orientations. Can you pick out the unique features of each?

Are such scans useful (and sufficient) in uniquely “fingerprinting” select chips in a collection? Any alternate ideas you’re using, that you’d like to share? Is this overkill? Again, just “spitballing” an idea here …