I stole that last grade from Janice.

I still contend that descriptions mean more than grades. As soon as you make small grade distinctions, there will be the fudge factor. We've seen it with crads, coins and stamps.

While some folks will argue that most of us will pay more for a chip that's in better condition, it isn't the main goal for most of us collecting. Having a "used" chip from ABC casino isn't much different from having a "like new" from the same casino. Warped or worn means I'd have it, just to have an example. If something beter comes along, maybe I'll cull and up upgrade, but it's still not the most important mission. Nor is it worth paying a premium price.

How much difference in value is a Bud Jones plastic chip with the HS still gold vs one that has been washed and has a silver/goldish HS? Whatever someone who cares will pay... but it is still easily covered in chip descriptions without resorting to some vague, subjective grading scale.

In effect we could cover just about every grade (I hate that word!) with the following.

1) New - like new
2) Used
3) Worn

and "See description"