Hiya Mark, at least with your posting here today, I've learned something I didn't know. Here is what I do know. After a while in the hobby, you will develop an "eye" for genuine chips and chips that may not be as represented. Hanging on TCB is a great advantage for sure. Another lesson I've learned that I live by and like to pass on is this:

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

This works also if you spend more money than you intended. I bought two chips at the convention that my experience told me were not what the attribution said they were but hey, I really like the chips and if they do pan out to be something special, then I'll have a pretty good score. Meantime, I've got a nice little project for myself trying to get a good name to go with them.

I remember also when I first started I bought a chip on eBay from a club member who touted it as "first issue". When I finally got the value guides it was obviously NOT first issue and I was angry at this feller for years. Finally ran into the gent at a convention trade session and guess what? He was a pretty good guy and i was glad to know him! Sometimes folks just make plain old mistakes without anyting else in mind. You are right, this is a great hobby and finding our way makes all the chips that much more fun.

Angels rock and we need to keep 'em flying!