You know, this whole thing reminds me of the U.S. Mint's commemmorative coin programs. A coin is an object that represents the value displayed upon it. The commemmorative "coins" do carry a value and apparently are an official issue, but they are in fact, non-circulating legal tender. They are never meant to be used at face value in a transaction. "$1.98? Sure, take it out of this commemmorative $5 gold coin and gimme the $3.02 change". Ain't gonna happen.

Coin collectors have seen most of these "coins" retail price drop to less than the issue after the initial rush. Many numismatists do not buy these for pecisely that reason.

If it isn't used in a transaction on the table, is it really a chip? Perhaps a non-circulating fantasy chip would be a more appropriate term. "$5 wager? Sure, just use this Lodge grand opening chip." Again, ain't gonna happen.

Why not forget them? If anyone tries to deal in them, why not avoid that person like the plague? If they don't sell 'em, they ain't gonna do it. Clem and the missus, that don't collect them thar chips, sure aren't gonna pay $100 for $31 in chips, they aren't that stupid. Are we?