The chip of the day today is dedicated to all those who frequent this board who have suffered a loss of a loved one or are battling a serious medical fight. To those, we are showing our favorite chip acquired (by any means) in 2006.

I have had my best year of chipping yet. In fact, the second half of 2006 was really a terrific 6 months of chipping. I will first present the four runners up:

1) In June, my mother picked up some cigarette burned chips on her way across several states. In the chips were 10-15 pink chips. The card for them can be found on a card on the Trimble/Spragg illegals web-site. They are from an illegal club in 1947 in West Yellowstone, Montana. Only 200 were ever made. Given the people who bought one from me, I don't think this chip was found before my mother's thoughtful gift! This chip was almost free of cigarette burns on one side.

2) Right at the end of this year's convention, this Aruba scarce/rare beauty showed up on ebay and I got it at a steal price. It's a great chip.

3) Readers of this board will recognize my Curacao Hilton chip with the stamping underneath. It remains a mystery, though I have learned a little more. It's a very scarce chip to begin with, but the mystery provided me with weeks of detective fun!

4) At the very end of the year, I picked up this one. Probably pretty common, and certainly not too valuable, but I think it's the best looking chip I own.

THE WINNER: MY FAVORITE CHIP OF 2006

This chip is extremely rare in this condition. The bottom of the inlay is usually scratched out (a cancellation perhaps?). It's a great old Aruba chip,and not bad looking either.

Love that Holiday Inn chip!

Let's see your chips!!

Michael Siskin