Hobbies And Interests
Significance
The use of poker chips didn't come into practice until the early 1800's (somewhere between 1820 and 1830). Prior to their creation and standardization in saloons and gambling houses around the United States, players involved in a game of poker generally used objects of some value, such as nuggets of gold, pieces of jewelry or authentic currency. These value of these objects varied widely. Poker chips were created to standardize betting.
Identification
In the early days of poker chips, saloons and gambling houses basically created their own rudimentary markers. And depending on the locale, these chips were made of ivory, wood, mother of pearl, paper or even bone. Due to the primitive nature of these first tokens, they could easily be forged, and many counterfeit chips found their way onto the gambling tables. This, of course, led to the manufacture of composite clay poker chips, starting the late 1800's. They didn't come in many colors, but these chips were made in hundreds of different designs.
Features
As with anything that is collectible, there is a grading system for antique poker chips. This system, which helps determine a given chip's value, runs from "new" to "poor." It is difficult to find poker chips considered to be in "new" or "slightly used" condition.
"New" chips appear as if they've never seen a table, meaning they haven't been used in a game.
"Slightly used" have very little wear. Their inlays, designs and stamps are still intact.
"Average" chips have some nicks or chips (though relatively small) and some dulling to the inlays and designs.
"Well used" chips have definite nicks or chips. Inlays or designs show signs of obvious wear but are still readable.
"Poor" chips have fairly sizeable nicks or chips, smooth edges, faded color and inlays or designs that have worn off.
Types
The grading system goes beyond those initial ratings. It also classifies modifications, damage, defects and errors.
"Modified" chips have been altered, including those that have been taken out of service (notched or drilled by the casino or gambling house).
"Damaged" chips have been broken, warped or exceedingly nicked or chipped, far beyond merely being used.
"Defects and Errors" include some sort of manufacturing error--incorrect molds, miss-strikes, missing inlays and the like.
Effects
The value of an antique chip is also affected by the type of chip it is, meaning its issue, denomination, and color. A chip's issue refers to it actual chronological date. Its denomination is the dollar value of the chip. Its mold, inserts and inlay involve its design, which can lead to the identification of its manufacturer, its overall composition and the way it was made. And of course, a chip's rarity always comes into play. As the number of available chips changes, so does the price of an individual chip.
Considerations
Most collectors start a collection with a single chip. Sets of antique chips are extremely hard to find and quite expensive. Individual chips are often available at flea markets, rummage sales and antique stores. For most collectors, it's all about the hunt!