is a likely possible conclusion. To test the temperature and pressure on the HS machine, they would need to test and adjust. There's no reason to waste real chips and there are overruns or errors, all over the place, for setup. The Mfg. would use leftovers and scraps for machine setup, then change to the actual designs, colors Etc. when it's time to fulfill the order.

I wasn't there, I don't know, but I think that's a very logical and likely reason we see these odd HS chips on roulettes or other casino designs. The Paulson snowflake is pretty common. Either for cancelling chips or for machine setup, or both.