... Larry, or the concept of defining terms which can be used to describe the condition of a chip. Essentially, my "grading" proposal does exactly that. I would be comfortable with a set of definitions similar to those I proposed, whether characterized as a "grading" system, a set of "definitions" or just "how to describe the condition of your chip". <g>

I agree wholeheartedly with both parts of your comment:

>> Collectors who want to have a clear and honest communication will benefit from clearly defined terms. Hypesters will always abuse those terms. <<

This is precisely the reason for my proposal -- to provide a uniform method of communicating chip condition between and among collectors -- and to do so in a way that will minimize the possibility of abuse.

We are, I think, in essential agreement. Thanks for posting your thoughts.

----- jim o\-S