Don, I don't know. (Do patents give reasons for making a device?) Not cited in Dale's book. I think the answer is clear though: the serrated edge makes it easier to pick up off a table, just like with US coins. At least that is the theory. Since not many chips were made with serrated edges, it shows the idea was not a great commercial success. For gambling purposes, I always liked square edge chips over round edged ones for the same reason -- easier to pick-up.

I just found these crest and seal chips -- coded "PW-CM Club (Inlaid Litho) / v:f" in the supplement to Dale's book in "Poker Wheel & Faro (Inlaid)" category. In fact, these were used with an old club professional rouette table.

Robert