Need Help Identifying Value/Year - Rare Vintage H Mold Hotel SAHARA $5 Chip (1 Viewer)

[Ghosthippy]

Hi everyone,

My family was going through my grandma's things as we were helping her move to her new place. Among her jewelry was a $5 Hotel Sahara chip that she kindly gave to me as she had no use for it anymore and knew I was beginning to collect casino chips.

After looking around on the internet, I was able to find only one or two images that matched my chip exactly.

One was a listing on a website (the chip appeared to be in worse shape than mine) that said it had sold for $355.

I also found out that apparently the design is called the: Rare H mold chips by the H.C. Edwards distributor Chicago

The Caesars palace version of this chip with the H mold is selling for $1899.98 on topshelfchips.com

I think this chip might be from the 50's or 60's.

I could use some help determining what year it is from and what it might be worth.



I also saw this chip on the forum in brown that was very similar. A user identified this version as possibly a Z2 worth about $700-$1600,
did not comment on the year.

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/hotel-sahara-5-brown-camel-chip-rarity.23925/

 

[Ghosthippy]

I would also like to state that I have no interest in selling the chip. I am just super curious to learn more about the chip and its history.

 

[Okku]

Seems like the last one I could find that sold on eBay sold for $129.95 in 2019 and Spinettis sold theirs for $375
https://spinettisgaming.com/product...ada-5-chip-1960s?_pos=11&_sid=56f613e13&_ss=r

This chip was used in the 1960s and I wouldn't say that the H mold is rare. Although this chip is one of the rarer older Sahara chips. Of course the ones from the 50s are much rarer and much more expensive. Some upwards of nearly $10k. This chip isn't seen too often which is good to know. The one that you have looks to be in great shape too which makes it all the better for those that might be looking for it. I did see that you aren't selling it which is awesome, making it an amazing first chip for your collection. Congrats!

Over time the value will go up. Taking into consideration the amount of them out in the world isn't a whole ton and it is one of the earlier Sahara $5s.

 

[AlbinoDragon]

From the Chipguide database:

http://themogh.org/cgupdate/cg_chip2.php?id=NVLVSA&v=3842064867

(about halfway down), it looks like the 1960s. Unfortunately, there is only one chip order card posted there. If/when the H-mold orders get added to that page, that would pin down the year they were ordered better.

Cool older chip in rather good condition for it's age and the amount of use it probably had on the tables. I agree with @Okku, a great chip to start a collection with if you find yourself so inclined.

 

[gmunny]

The Sahara chip that you have is a very nice chip from the 1960s and is listed in my Chip Rack (2020) as a "S" value or $300-349. I think Okku's range of $150-$375 is good, though I would think you should be able to sell it in the $250-$350 range. The value of these chips are based on rarity and demand. The Sahara chips from the 50s would by highly sought after and has a picture of a pyramid or building on it and would be worth thousands.

Here is mine Camel Facing Left H-mold.

I have 2 other H mold Sahara $5s:

This one is fairly common, listed as a D value or $10-14. Chip Guide says 60s, but I would say more likely 70s because of the genie face in spade logo.

This chip is a lot more rare than the other 2, but prices has come down from that other post in 2017. Its now listed as "W" or $500-$599 range.

Good luck!