Hi Shaun, welcome to a great hobby and a valuable collector resource, TheChipBoard. We all learn here, even the folks that have been doing this for awhile. Thanks to your query, for instance and Greg's reply, we're all more knowlegeable about Trop chips.

You seem to be headed in right direction in a diligent research of your target. Don't worry, you'll gain confidence in your own judgement as you see more chips and watch the market.

The number one rule that I'd pass on in this area is this:

If you buy what you like, you'll never be disappointed in what it is worth.