Below is an example of a Monte Carlo lg-key chip that has had the cancellation hot stamp removed - N5688. TCR lists 3 variations of this chip. 1: Regular/non-cancelled (E $15-$19), 2: Cancelled/hot stamp (C $5-$9), 3: Modified (H $30-$39).

So I have 2 questions regarding condition & TCR values of modified chips.

1: In regards to the Monte Carlo chips, does the removal of the hot stamp cancellation mark constitute the modified condition label?

I believe this to be correct.

2: If #1 is true then why would the value be more (H $30-$39) than either the "E" or "C" value variation?

Seems like a altered/modified chip shoudn't be worth more than an unaltered chip. Or is the fact of the fewer number of altered versions in existence constitue the higher "value added"?

Thanks in advance.