Yes. Thats was exactly the point I derived from my conversation. The specific item bears that point out. In reality, on a good day, those 3 chips are worth about $50. They have encased them and doubled the value. The comment that 'they would only be worth half if removed from the case' may or may not have been tongue in cheek but is about correct.
My other point was that regardless of whether this particular item is 'a slab', where will it lead to.

Bob - If you had been late for work this morning you could have joined my off-board conversation!!