Even though it takes alot of time to sift through all the listings on ebay, I do feel that it is important to help one place a "true value" on a chip they may be considering to buy. All of the price guides are fine as a starting point but the "real time" values on ebay are really on the 'pulse' of what items sell for. Years ago, talking to one of the Chip Rack authors, he stated that the book didn't place too much emphisis on auction prices as they were limited and only expressed one person's opinion of a chips "worth". Well, ebay has changed all that! Contrary to what others may say, MANY of the "deep pockets" know what's on ebay and what the price is AND if they feel it's a good buy, they bid!
Gone are the days of getting a "steal" on ebay......it just doesn't happen any more. Sure, something falls through the cracks every now and then due to a mis-labeled chip or error on the sellers part, but by and large, it doesn't happen any more. The books may be great if you just want to "value" your collection but if you want to buy or sell, better look at the prices realized on ebay.....or end up paying too much!!