in the Hobby. Slabbing started with coins to assure the collector that what was being purchased was genuine and in a certain condition. Price and value depended upon accurate grading - a subjective evaluation.

Unfortunately some coin merchants decided to slab coins that did not need authentication and grading - like recently issued proof coins - and then raise the price with the hype that they use with slabbing.

I think this is the aversion we have. Most slabbing is of recent issues that can possibly be had at the casino for face value but the slabber hypes the fact the chip is in plastic to obtain a higher than warrented price. Also, I suspect the grading is done by someone who knows little about it.

If slabbing were confined to rarer chips to assure genuineness and detect repairs, cleaning and other practices that detract from value then there just might be a place for it in the hobby.