For most gamblers, a casino chip is simply a temporary plastic tool used to facilitate a bet at the blackjack table.

However, there is a massive and highly passionate global community that views these chips as valuable historical artifacts.

What Makes a Chip Valuable?

A chip that originally represented one dollar can easily sell at auction for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Chips from casinos that were demolished decades ago are highly sought after because they are no longer in circulation.

• Older chips were made of genuine clay, making them highly desirable compared to modern ceramic or plastic ones
• Chips featuring specific security measures, like early UV markings, are fascinating to technical collectors
• Provenance matters; a chip verified to be from the opening night of an iconic resort is a ‘holy grail’ item

Tips for New Casino Chip Collectors

The easiest way to start is by keeping a single $1 chip from every casino you personally visit on your travels.

Once you develop an interest, you can explore online auction sites like eBay or dedicated numismatic forums.

Holding a chip from the 1960s Rat Pack era is a direct physical connection to the golden age of Vegas.