This demonstrates how buyers should not rely on the word "rare" (even though I use it in my listings since I think we all know it may attrract a higher price). I know I have used it to describe $100 limited edition chips (limited to 30 copies). Of course, "rare" is to some extent a matter of opinion since there are no standards in the industry for its application. Thus, even if there are 30 copies and I own all 30, the item can still be "rare."

Moreover, this also points out the difficulties with truthful factual information in a listing. The reference to "R-8, High book value of $700.00 " is factually accurate - even though the book's information may be obsolete by now. The reference to "I am a member of the CC>CC #R-7527" is also factually accurate, from what we can surmise. I would think and even hope that it is intended to generate some level of confidence in the transaction as well as the factual information (in other words, "I have some level of expertise in chip collecting; I am not just reselling some pretty chips my grandmother's estate left me").

Yet, again this shows why buyers must beware. Particularly in the cold impersonal Internet age - and in an auction to boot - buyers need to rely on their own research rather than the words of a seller whose primary interest is to obtain the highest bid possible. Accurate factual information and matters of opinion can still lead an unsuspecting buyer to overpay. But *if* the facts are true and the opinions are opinions, ultimately it is the buyer's duty to set a fair price.

I don't disagree with Doug's attempt to contact the seller, though, and help educate him as well. I think all users of this Board would agree that membership does not make one an instant expert or fully knowledgeable on all details of every chip. It is through discussions like these that we can all become better educated - and smarter buyers.