OK, folks. Here is what I found out last night. First, it appears that the foreign shiny substance is a shellac rather than a lacquer. Second, all efforts to remove it, including the use of a fine steel wool pad were unavailing. I first applied liberally acetone to a light gray casino style chip--on one side. After standing all night there was no difference other than the side with the acetone was now brighter than the non-treated side.

Any additional suggestions. Thanks Bob for your Exacto tip--I'll see if I can do that tonight.

As I said before once I determine that either I cannot repair the damage or can do so, I will have two Town House Round Up $5 chips for trade.