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About Casino Chip Collecting

Several years ago, when casino chip collecting was its infancy, astute collectors would try to acquire large, comprehensive Nevada collections. "Everything from Las Vegas" was commonly heard. Why Las Vegas? Because it is Las Vegas that captivates historians and adds to the fun of collecting obsolete casino chips. There is intense historical interest that surrounds chips as memorabilia of the past. Chips are perhaps the only reminders of many past casinos that you can acquire at little trouble and expense. That is why there is a special thrill in owning chips from long gone casinos such as El Rancho Vegas, Flamingo, Thunderbird, Dunes, Desert Inn, Sands, and many more. Once you become aware of this historical appeal of casino chips, and the unbelievable price acceleration in certain issues, there is literally no limit to the fascinating byways through which this absorbing hobby will lead you.

Heritage Casino Chips, therefore, specializes in Las Vegas chips exclusively, particularly high-end, rare casino chips. If you are a new collector, we will take a portfolio approach to assembling a world class collection for you, whether you acquire just a few chips, or continue on to build an important addition to your other portfolios and collectibles. One thing we will warn you about, to quote a familiar "chip" analogy, once you get started, it is very difficult to "eat just one"! It is just too much fun. If you are a more seasoned chip collector, you can purchase here with confidence knowing Heritage is knowledgeable and experienced in serving the needs and desires of collectors all over the world.

Nowadays, a chip collector may begin by building a "type set": just one chip from every Las Vegas casino, for example. That way you have many options on what to select and a wide range of chips from which to pick. Of course, some casinos or chips from Las Vegas just may not be collectible, and we will steer you away from chips without value. (Unless you are just looking for a token of Vegas memorabilia to add to your chip portfolio.) Collecting by denomination is also extremely popular. There are many collectors who buy $1, $5, $25, $100 chips, etc. Some may want to have an example of each chip "mold", or try for 1st issues only (very tough from famous, now closed, casinos such as the Flamingo, Sands, Dunes, etc.). You can see the many possibilities as your interests develop. And, as your budget permits. We will help you find what is right for you.

Top 10 Chip Sales

1. Sands $100 9th Issue C&J: $39,000
2. Sands $5 2nd Issue Arodie: $33,000
3. Riviera $25 1st Issue Small-key: $33,000
4. Sands $25 2nd Issue Arodie: $32,000
5. New Boulder Club $5 6th Issue Arodie: $26,000
6. Sands $25 8th Issue HCE: $25,000
7. Desert Inn $100 4th Issue Arodie: $25,000
8. Showboat $1 2nd Issue C&J: $25,000
9. Flamingo $100 2nd Issue Small-key: $20,000
10. Riviera $5 2nd Issue Small-key: $20,000

(Source: The Official U.S. Casino Chip Price Guide, 3rd Edition, 2005)

All these chips are vintage, rare, inlaid Las Vegas pieces. All are from major Strip casinos, except the downtown New Boulder Club. A $100 Landmark 1st Issue (R-10) chip sold for $50,000 at a dealer's expo held in Las Vegas in February, 2006. The high estimated value for this chip as listed in the 3rd Edition Official U.S. Casino Chip Price Guide was $12,000. The highest confirmed sale price of any casino chip prior to 2004 was only $8,750 for the Small-key mold Flamingo $100. However, in offering chips for sale, Heritage makes no guarantees, implied or otherwise, that these price trends will continue.