WOW! What kind of idiot writes on chips? Maybe they were "milestone" mementos to celebrate coming out of the casinos actually AHEAD $2.50 and $1? Either way, seller was really deceptive to sell those without leting you know about the markings.

Best of luck with Paypal too- my last few claims of not as described were met with seller apathy and I got nothing.

If those chips are still live, I would consider working with a member that lives close by that could try to turn them back in to the cage for you and get them replaced?