... condition is a very small factor in the value of a chip. What makes a Bugsy $100 worth $8500 or $12,500? Certainly not condition. I've got lots of dead mint chips I'd be happy to sell at a tenth of those prices <g>. No, rarity combined with demand are the primary factors defining the value of high end chips. In coin collecting, rarity is much more of a science. What does a grading service do to guarantee the rarity of a chip? Zip zitch nadda! The collector is only "getting what he is paying for" if the rarity holds. When 6 boxes show up, it doesn't much matter what grade that $2000 chip has. It just took a dive.

If Mark actually wanted a Bugsy $100, was willing to pay $12,500 for one in the right condition, but wouldn't buy one for $8500 in almost uncirculated condition, well, that holds no water at all. If that chip is rare enough to warrant those prices, he obviously passed up what was probably his only chance to ever own one in any condition.

Nope, sorry, there's something else going on here, and it damn sure ain't "providing a service to the collector." It's more like, "bend over, collector, here comes my service!"