It's worth remembering, Rick, that issuing a new chip for table use doesn't necessarily make the existing ones obsolete. Although there's much controversy on exactly what makes an "obsolete" chip, many of us consider a chip obsolete when it can no longer be used for it's intended gaming purpose AND can no longer be redeemed by the issuer or his successor.

Some of the reasons for a new chip to go on the tables without obsoleting the old one or even removing it from play:

• New games, worn chips, or expanded casino requires more chips (reorders such as at Golden Gate).

• Gaming regulations change (add the state to the city on the chip, for instance, such as done with Flamingo Las Vegas).

• Commemorative chip is produced (see all the Limited Editions in TCR for many examples).

• The name of the owner changes (for example, the many changes at Tropicana, some of which added "A Ramada Resort" to the chips).

It's true that similar chips still in use at a given casino usually have about the same value. That may not always be the case, though, when collectors pull many of the older design out of circulation (for example, the $2.50 chips at Carson Nugget with no underline on the cents).

This may give you some of the rationale for the differing values you see in TCR for current chips at the same club.