Hello....Is any one there....They cost because , like huey stated , they sell for what people are willing to pay. I have sold racks (100ct)of bud jones coin inlaid chips from the stardust Hotel for face value , and next week , the same rack sells for 1.60per chip , and 2 weeks later , they sell for 1.25 , them a month later , i get 1.75.....It is market value , similar to stocks selling for $3 today , $7 tomorrow , $9 next week , & $1 next month.

Or to put it in a better perspective , how much would YOU charge , to put up several hundred dollars , take a taxi/or/rent a car , get the chips , Pay to post them(about $10 for a 500ct set or 2-4$for a $100 ) the time spent in acquiring & selling & Packing THEN sit on them ....till they sell.....

I would say that whatever paid , is the price they are worth.
P>S> the casino's pay usually MORe than a $1 for the chip-that is another reason that $1 chips are getting hard to get in a collectable release.Limited ed $1 chips cost as much to make as a $5 , $25 , or even $100 chips. I would say that the casino is the one making the Bucks