2. The seller did everything by the rules. Second chance offers are legit, and although we here whould like to know how many of a "rare" chip the seller has, the seller does not have to disclose how many he has.

The lesson to be learned here: When you see a chip come up that is "rare" and you plan on bidding what you think is a lot of money, ASK the seller how many of the "rare" chip he has. If you don't get an answer, you got the answer.

I learned it the hard way too. At least you didn't win!