DISCLAIMER: I am not posting this as a possible explanation of whether Mike's chips are the "same" or different... but Sapki's post reminded me of MY first experience witnessing "The things they do to chips"...

A few years ago I went into Fort McDowell to get chips. I warn chippers if they go...
"You can tell The Fort is AZ's oldest casino. They have the chips to prove it!" Unless something changed since my last visit, I'd say Fort McDowell is still using their original order (Chipcos and .50c hot-stamps) - their chips are filthy and in TERRIBLE shape.

ANYWAY - I told the cashier I was a collector - tipped him a few bucks upfront - and commented that if some chips looked better than others... I'd be grateful to get "the betters" if possible. He was great - friendly, cooperative... and eventually had my "order" spread out on the counter in front of him (in his possession - not "mine"). Expressing approval, I reached for my wallet.

Suddenly, with the speed of a slot machine taking your nickel, he produced a plastic spray bottle. Expertly, he misted the chips with "Mystery Cleaner" and was buffing them out with a terrycloth bar-towel.

Now, I'm no expert, but I had been around long enough to respect the stories (good and bad) folks have shared about "cleaning chips". Speechless, I just stood there thinking,
"This is NOT on the "suggested ways to do it" list.

That was my first experience witnessing a casino practicing "chip hygiene". The cashier noticed my wide-eyed reaction (I bet I looked horrified! ) and calmly explained:

"Well - I can't give you dirty chips, can I?"

Since then, when I see minor discrepancies or wonder if it's "different", (especially in Chipcos & hot-stamps) I picture that cashier with his bottle of Windex and scrub towel - changing that poor chip's image for life.

Again, I didn't share this in direct response to any specific chips (like Mike's - he's right - sometimes you have to see the chips)
... but I do know after witnessing Fort McDowell's "little scrubbing bubbles" - I don't assume anything is what it appears to be!