I would like to make a prediction on the great find of the Treasure Bay .25. I believe it will bring close to $400. When we compiled our information for "The Official U.S. Casino CHip Price Guide" We listed this chip as Unique- which other Riverboat collectors who helped us believed it was. We also make a quote that it was in use just 2 days! I see some say maybe longer but the fact is that this is a rare one. Actually rarity 8 that it would now fall into (8 to 15 Known) is Extremely Rare. Valued at near a grand at $300- 600- 900. Unique had a lot to do with this. Just because it is a Riverboat chip doesnt make it not worth a lot. I know personally of Nevada .25 chips bringing $1800 & $2000. They were rarer though with just 2 of each known. I cant recall any low denomination chips going any higher- yet. There is quite a bit of demand for rare Riverboat chips & from what I have seen the rare ones are rarely for sale. I continuously track chips & info for the hopes of doing another book someday. I am always needing new info. if anyone makes a new find or adds to what is known I would like to know about it.
This hobby is always changing, everyday, every hour, as there are a lot of us out trying to find chips. Chips are being found! As more people become aware that there are collectors, there's more of a chance a chip will be put up for sale as there is interest. Yes things on ebay are cheap at times (spite this I continue to sell) but why shouldn't there be bargains somehere to keep the new collectors, especially, stimulated? Prices have come down on the lower priced chips it is true. We lowered many values in the second edition. We raised many as well & many we thought "ok, this is a high value, that's really a big price to put on it" & then the convention came around & records were broke left & right on the real rare chips. Our prices are now low on some of the top rare chips! That's great! I mean those super rare chips that the old time collectors, like myself, had never seen offered. The hobby is growing! Some dont like it but it is true. It is a great hobby so why shouldn't it? Everyone likes to see their investment, even if collecting for fun, mature in value.

Please keep it fun & stop this crazy debating on slabbing. I dont recall but was there talk about ebay when it first started & how it will ruin the hobby? I feel it has helped the hobby, more collectors have started from finding chips on ebay & more of us have added to our collections without having to wait for the shows. If you have a continuous avenue of which to find something doesn't it make it all the more fun? Therefore you dont loose interest. We all love a bargain as well & there will always be some to be found on ebay or elswhere on the internet if we dig enough. By the way I have both the new 2nd edition, which is 400 pages as well as some of the hardback 1st editions available.
Good Luck with your collections & all the best for a great New Year! (already!)