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What is the Allure of Leaded Chips?? (3 Viewers)

ssanel54 said:
Again, this is the point I’m trying to make. Just because something will never be made again, does not make it more desirable/collectible
Click to expand...
So to me the relevance can be viewed as a tie breaker. If I only have $5k to spend on chips and I could get similar sets, say a mint NAGB or a near mint PCA, the PCA would win for me. On the one hand I value leaded. On the other hand I value mint THC.
Based on trends of the past few years, there probably will be another NAGB opportunity to get some mint THCs. But we know they’re not making any more lead, so they will likely just get scarcer as time goes by and people stow them away.
Tie broken.
 
I don’t see how it’s new, to chase leaded chips. I got my first leaded chips only 5 months after joining. Then I got into TRK, for the same reasons. Nostalgia, as you point out, sound, and feel. These are the 3 for me.

I have a few myself, and for me, their sound is much different than non leaded. Whatever the formula, I don’t know or even care. They feel heavier, and stack easier. Stacks are more stable. So many little nuances that set them apart.

When I raise and throw down a few extra leaded Empress $5s, they make a distinct *thud* on the felt, that I have never heard from any Boats or recent GB chips I’ve used. I’ve had them all really. Sold many off. Any leaded chips I’ve acquired, are still sitting on my shelf.

I recently acquired a “leaded” Grand Victoria RHC set. Haven’t used it yet, but in feeling their weight, I am already in love. They will be glorious.
 
ssanel54 said:
Yeah, there are plenty of shitty leaded chips out there. Lead doesn’t make them all Ferraris
Click to expand...
Right and those are the Pintos. But there is something else in addition to not being made anymore that makes the vintage Ferraris collectible.
 
I am convinced that PCF is equally (if not more of) a social site as a collectors site. As already seen in this thread there are a some VERY loud and very persistant posters who will only hype leaded THC or TRK chips (until thechiproom has a sale) and passive (and sometimes not so passive) aggressively claim everything else inferior. These posters influence those who buy chips for the pron "likes" who then also become lead snob disciples.

AND don't forget "Offical Casino Weight".
 
RocAFella1 said:
Right and those are the Pintos. But there is something else in addition to not being made anymore that makes the vintage Ferraris collectible.
Click to expand...
The collectors themselves, that buy (own) them?
4E4B11BF-2003-421F-873A-897678F24F2B.gif
 
upNdown said:
So to me the relevance can be viewed as a tie breaker. If I only have $5k to spend on chips and I could get similar sets, say a mint NAGB or a near mint PCA, the PCA would win for me. On the one hand I value leaded. On the other hand I value mint THC.
Based on trends of the past few years, there probably will be another NAGB opportunity to get some mint THCs. But we know they’re not making any more lead, so they will likely just get scarcer as time goes by and people stow them away.
Tie broken.
Click to expand...
Well, let's alter that "same price" comparison a bit:

Do you choose A) a minty NAGB set, or B) a good-condition used leaded PCA primary set?

For me, it's a no-brainer set A decision.
 
BGinGA said:
Well, let's alter that "same price" comparison a bit:

Do you choose A) a minty NAGB set, or B) a good-condition used leaded PCA primary set?

For me, it's a no-brainer set A decision.
Click to expand...
For me…

I choose…

Option C) piss off wife. Borrow money from credit line. Buy both sets. Worry about the aftermath later

But option A does seem more appealing.
 
BGinGA said:
Well, let's alter that "same price" comparison a bit:

Do you choose A) a minty NAGB set, or B) a good-condition used leaded PCA primary set?

For me, it's a no-brainer set A decision.
Click to expand...
Personally, I’d have to see the chips. “Good” is tough to define. If they’re at the stage where some of them still stand on edge or almost stand on edge, I’d probably still go with the PCAs. But yes, there’s certainly a point where I’d take mint unleaded over heavily used leaded.

As I’ve said, I’m all about the textured inlays. But if that texture is mostly worn off, they’re a lot less attractive.
 
Jeevansluck said:
I don’t see how it’s new, to chase leaded chips. I got my first leaded chips only 5 months after joining. Then I got into TRK, for the same reasons. Nostalgia, as you point out, sound, and feel. These are the 3 for me.

I have a few myself, and for me, their sound is much different than non leaded. Whatever the formula, I don’t know or even care. They feel heavier, and stack easier. Stacks are more stable. So many little nuances that set them apart.

When I raise and throw down a few extra leaded Empress $5s, they make a distinct *thud* on the felt, that I have never heard from any Boats or recent GB chips I’ve used. I’ve had them all really. Sold many off. Any leaded chips I’ve acquired, are still sitting on my shelf.

I recently acquired a “leaded” Grand Victoria RHC set. Haven’t used it yet, but in feeling their weight, I am already in love. They will be glorious.
Click to expand...
Its interesting that you bring up TRK, as the tone of this thread sounds very similar to the number of "Why TRKs are better than Paulson" threads.... softer feel, unique sound, no longer available etc.
 
ssanel54 said:
Just because something will never be made again, does not make it more desirable/collectible
Click to expand...
When we discuss leaded chips (like when someone asks, "What is the allure of leaded chips??"), I think it's fair to say we're speaking in generalities.

As shared, leaded chips generally have more history, more nostalgia, wear better, arguably feel & sound better, and have a higher likelihood of shaped/textured inlays which are desired by many. They're not collected because they are no longer being made; rather the fact that they're no longer being made influences how (and yes, sometimes even why) we collect them.

So when rating or contemplating a particular leaded chip or chipset, it is done so with the appreciation that a better one will never be made. This also makes it much more difficult to acquire leaded chips in the ideal color, condition, complete sets, whatever else a given collector seeks. It can be a serious challenge, which is easily and often summed up with the phrase, "They're not making any more of them." Because it's true.

In contrast, when the next closed casino chip is released, you can bet your bottom dollar that a cooler, cheaper, better condition, sharper label chip will come out next month. Why? Because they keep making unleaded chips! That is not a luxury for leaded collectors because leaded chips are no longer being made.

I think it's safe to say that when comparing two equally defined, potentially equally desirable items, the one no longer being made will generally be more valuable than the one still being made.
 
aggie said:
When we discuss leaded chips (like when someone asks, "What is the allure of leaded chips??"), I think it's fair to say we're speaking in generalities.

As shared, leaded chips generally have more history, more nostalgia, wear better, arguably feel & sound better, and have a higher likelihood of shaped/textured inlays which are desired by many. They're not collected because they are no longer being made; rather the fact that they're no longer being made influences how (and yes, sometimes even why) we collect them.

So when rating or contemplating a particular leaded chip or chipset, it is done so with the appreciation that a better one will never be made. This also makes it much more difficult to acquire leaded chips in the ideal color, condition, complete sets, whatever else a given collector seeks. It can be a serious challenge, which is easily and often summed up with the phrase, "They're not making any more of them." Because it's true.

In contrast, when the next closed casino chip is released, you can bet your bottom dollar that a cooler, cheaper, better condition, sharper label chip will come out next month. Why? Because they keep making unleaded chips! That is not a luxury for leaded collectors because leaded chips are no longer being made.

I think it's safe to say that when comparing two equally defined, potentially equally desirable items, the one no longer being made will generally be more valuable than the one still being made.
Click to expand...
“NO LONGER BEING MADE” is the Cats Ass in chipping! ;)
6B805520-C2DC-41B7-8EF9-11BBBF90E24D.jpeg
 

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