The Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum is kicking off our restoration of the 1979 Unlimited Hydroplane that was sponsored by Circus Circus Hotel/Casino, back when Bill Bennett and Bill Pennington were running the show. The Museum currently has 15 fully running vintage race boats in our collection, and the "Miss Circus Circus" is going to be a 3-4 year project that will cost upwards of $350,000. But when it is finished, we will take it out on the vintage race boat circuit and run exhibitions with it and display it at events.

This is just the 'nerd' in me, but I was wondering if there is any kind of collectibles guide for old casino/poker chips? I want to figure out if there was a specific 1979 vintage poker chip (I'd love a $100 chip, but at this point I'd just like to find anything) from either the Las Vegas or Reno Circus Circus. And if there is, is there a collectors 'market' or group where I might be able to find one for sale or donation? At this point I'd even settle for a picture of what one looks like so I know what to be searching for.

My idea here is just to have something of a 'good luck' talisman that we could permanently secure to the dash board of the boat as part of the restoration....so obviously, if the "1979 Circus Circus Las Vegas" poker chip is worth $5,000...we wouldn't want to do that. But if it is a relatively common item, that wouldn't be an insult (if you will) to the collectors to take out of circulation in that manner, that is what I'd be interested in.

Any help you might be able to give me would be greatly appreciated, even if it is you letting me know that you're not the right person to be talking to. I am going to include the link to the Museum website, as well as a link to the Facebook page for the 1979 Miss Circus Circus restoration project. I've also attached a photograph of what the boat looked like during the 1979 racing season and how it will be when we are finished.

Thank you for your time,

Brad Haskin
Board of Directors,
Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum

http://thunderboats.ning.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3411722642479157