I am keeping an eye out for retired casino chips in denominations of $500 or $1000.

I notice little out there (okay, my definition of "out there" is laughably small) in these denominations, and even the few chip distributors I've seen only seem to sell them as No Cash Value versions--and still pricey! Do casino not sell these when they retire their racks? What's the deal? Are they really so hard to find?

I bought a couple of these on ebay. One was a fantasy chip and the other was purported to be from a closed casino in New Orleans (River City--anybody know?). My purpose in buying them was to have some nice looking high denoms. for my monthly hold'em tournament--and they are big hit. However...I took one to my local casino as a marker (ie, to place on my hand so the dealer doesn't muck it) and it caused quite the stir. Everyone wanted to see it and one guy bought it from me right at the table. So now I'm inclined to find more, but where??????