Casino collectibles offer tangible links to gambling’s past for many collectors, making collecting them more than just an entertaining pastime; rather, it serves as an important means of keeping gaming history alive.
At one point in time, only 25 individuals collected casino chips in the US; today, however, the non-profit Casino Chip & Token Collectors Club (CC>CC) boasts almost 2000 members.
Chips
People have long taken pleasure in collecting souvenirs such as casino chips, tokens, matchbooks and other memorabilia as mementos from travels abroad. What began as an informal practice has now evolved into a passionate hobby which helps preserve history.
Chips and tokens are among the most ubiquitous forms of casino memorabilia, often commanding high monetary values due to their rarity and historical importance. Some collector-grade chips even carry the names of iconic casinos; other chips feature unique designs or color schemes to set them apart from their peers in a collection.
Collectors of rare casino chips can search eBay, specialist dealers, conventions, and auctions to locate those most sought after. Collectors enjoy the hunt as much as documenting each chip’s mold, inset, edge spots and markings – this passion often extends into other forms of memorabilia such as dice or playing cards that represent an era filled with glamour and risk.
Tokens
Collecting rare artifacts from casino history is an enthralling long-term hobby for some collectors. The value of casino memorabilia stems from its historical relevance; such as authentic poker chips belonging to famous casinos or iconic signs from gambling halls or pieces owned by celebrity gamblers.
Other casino memorabilia is prized for its aesthetic value and artistic craftsmanship. Antique casino posters capture the glitz and glamor of old Las Vegas and speak to an era when casino gambling was more of an immersive experience than just another transaction.
Rare carved wood collectibles can be quite valuable. Chip artists use laser technology to carve intricate designs, logos, denominations, casinos, dates, faces and other information into solid wood plaques or racks created by chip artists – these carvings often fetch several thousands of dollars depending on rarity, size and aesthetics – with collectors often seeking these treasures at auctions, gaming exhibitions, antique events or eBay specialist dealers and conventions.
Memorabilia
Memorabilia covers an expansive spectrum of objects from cocktail napkins and coasters to poker chip plaques. But one of the more intriguing categories of memorabilia involves intricate wooden casino items carved by master artisans; their creation requires great artistry and craftsmanship.
No matter if it’s an antique dice or poker chip, each piece can add value to a collection. Collectors are motivated by various factors including rarity, condition, location (Las Vegas is most desirable), mold growth and aesthetics.
Collectors often enjoy the sense of community offered by collecting memorabilia. From sports fans comparing stats and strategy, to art historians discussing minute details such as sculpture’s facture, collecting memorabilia can become an intellectual pastime. Collectors may interact via internet forums or meet at local or global events in order to buy, sell and trade with fellow enthusiasts; auctions or private sales might even feature. Anonymous trading between collectors can add another element of mystery; these collectors might prefer dealing anonymously.
Games
Gaming chips and tokens make an intriguing addition to a collector’s collection, whether made of clay, acrylic, or even wood. Not only are these pieces of casino history souvenirs from trips to Vegas; many collectors also appreciate their intricate hand-carved designs or logos which may have been inscribed into them.
Authenticity and provenance also factor heavily into their value; products with unique, one-of-a-kind designs made of luxurious materials like ivory or provenance that dates back to casinos/events can command higher prices.
For those who desire an interactive collectible, full-scale antique slot machine replicas that can be operated by pulling a handle are an engaging way to immerse oneself in gambling history and display one’s skills as a collector.
