What's a fair price for Paulson CDI's? (2 Viewers)

[Coyotesetter]

This is a set of 500.
$1-100
$5-150
$25-150
$100-50
$500-50
And a few sample chips. Set has been played with but chips are in excellent condition.

 

[Mr Winberg]

@HMK

 

[navels]

@Ben8257

 

[toynoob]

 

[HMK]

I'm broke. Just payed for custom chips a few hours ago. But... I think around 2,5$ per chip is fair. But lately some denominations have been sold or are sittning unsold in the classifieds for a lot less. Like around 2$. Hope that helps.

 

[Coyotesetter]

It helps for sure. It's a set that came up locally but the guy clearly wants too much and won't trade me for hard liquor.

 

[aaronroch]

If it helps you negotiate at all, that set isn’t really good breakdown for a cash game OR a tournament. The set won’t stand on its own.

Of course if the guy won’t trade for hard liquor, he is probably not reasonable enough to recognize a good breakdown.

 

[Ben8257]

$25 and up I would say $2.50 a chip... the $1 are less than $2 and the $5s somewhere in between! Fair I would say $1,100 for that set!

 

[Ben8257]

Actually currently that would be an awesome price and less than I have paid!! Haha

 

[Coyotesetter]

If it helps you negotiate at all, that set isn’t really good breakdown for a cash game OR a tournament. The set won’t stand on its own.

Of course if the guy won’t trade for hard liquor, he is probably not reasonable enough to recognize a good breakdown.

I feel the same way about the breakdown.

 

[allforcharity]

I think $1000 is fair for a 500-set of CDI2005s, as long as they are in Excellent condition.

 

[Mike mac]

2$ A CHIP. NO BITES IN CHIPS. SHARP EDGES.

 

[Steppenwolf]

I think $1000 is fair for a 500-set of CDI2005s, as long as they are in Excellent condition.

For the record, @allforcharity (who BTW I very much like and respect) doesn't like the 2005 CDIs enough to own any of them, and although some can be had for $2/chip, mine (which were purchased from other members of this great chipping community), averaged $3 a chip only 8 months ago. Did I overpay? Probably, but let's be honest, $2 a chip would be a serious deal (rather than a ceiling on their value, as had been implied here). So, I have to respectfully disagree with this. It's only because were in a flooded market right now that these have recently gone so low.

 

[Steppenwolf]

But yes you can definitely find some for $2 a chip right now if you're patiently piecing together a set.

 

[allforcharity]

For the record, @allforcharity (who BTW I very much like and respect) doesn't like the 2005 CDIs enough to own any of them, and although some can be had for $2/chip, mine (which were purchased from other members of this great chipping community), averaged $3 a chip only 8 months ago. Did I overpay? Probably, but let's be honest, $2 a chip would be a serious deal (rather than a ceiling on their value, as had been implied here). So, I have to respectfully disagree with this. It's only because were in a flooded market right now that these have recently gone so low.

Not true, I own about 4 or 5 of them! They are a fine chip, but the Paulson mold and identical spot pattern amongst all chips does, in my opinion, reduce their market value in comparison to the CDI98s (THC and more varied spots), which I would price about $0.75 to $1.00 higher (per chip) than the CDI2005s.

The great advantage of collecting a CDI2005 cash set is the greater availability of fracs. I think I've seen CDI98 fracs in a rack quantity ONCE in two years. CDI2005 fracs in racks are still rare, but they come up a tad more often.

 

[Steppenwolf]

Not true, I own about 4 or 5 of them! They are a fine chip, but the Paulson mold and identical spot pattern amongst all chips does, in my opinion, reduce their market value in comparison to the CDI98s (THC and more varied spots), which I would price about $0.75 to $1.00 higher (per chip) than the CDI2005s.

The great advantage of collecting a CDI2005 cash set is the greater availability of fracs. I think I've seen CDI98 fracs in a rack quantity ONCE in two years. CDI2005 fracs in racks are still rare, but they come up a tad more often.

Haha were those 4 or 5 extras I sent you Berny? We can agree the 98s are in all ways superior and worth more than the 2005s. I have a full mint rack of those 98 fracs if you want some LOL!!! Actually 160 of them.

 

[allforcharity]

Haha were those 4 or 5 extras I sent you Berny? We can agree the 98s are in all ways superior and worth more than the 2005s. I have a full mint rack of those 98 fracs if you want some LOL!!! Actually 160 of them.

I'm making my own faux CDI98 fracs because I want quarters. Don't know when I'll get started, but when I do there will be a thread on it. Stay tuned!

 

[BGinGA]

Fwiw, I would not consider $2/chip to be a "serious deal" for these, especially considering what else is available for that price.

 

[Steppenwolf]

Fwiw, I would not consider $2/chip to be a "serious deal" for these, especially considering what else is available for that price.

What would be a serious deal on these? I realize you've been around since they were still being sold by Paulson, but since joining this forum, I have never seen them for less than $2. You seem to be coming more to be coming from the perspective of alternatives in the marketplace (that have more perceived value here) rather than focusing on the pricing history of this specific chip.

 

[BGinGA]

Anything under $2/chip would be a decent price. Closer to $1.50 (certainly less than $1.75) for it to be considered a really good bargain.

Just because something is selling for an inflated price doesn't necessarily make offering a lesser price a 'good deal', serious or otherwise.

I've preached it for a pretty long time now -- anybody who purchases non-leaded fantasy chips with glossy inlays on a non-THC mold for inflated prices should eventually expect to take a loss. There are simply too many of them in circulation, and they are not particularly desirable to collectors.

And if considering them as an investment (generally a bad idea for any chips, but worse than normal here), they won't hold long-term value compared to THC chips, from real casinos or otherwise.

 

[Steppenwolf]

.

Anything under $2/chip would be a decent price. Closer to $1.50 (certainly less than $1.75) for it to be considered a really good bargain.

Just because something is selling for an inflated price doesn't necessarily make offering a lesser price a 'good deal', serious or otherwise.

I've preached it for a pretty long time now -- anybody who purchases non-leaded fantasy chips with glossy inlays on a non-THC mold for inflated prices should eventually expect to take a loss. There are simply too many of them in circulation, and they are not particularly desirable to collectors.

And if considering them as an investment (generally a bad idea for any chips, but worse than normal here), they won't hold long-term value compared to THC chips, from real casinos or otherwise.

Let me start by saying I respect you and your knowledge of all things chip-related, but I'm also not thrilled with what you have said. I personally have 1,000 of these left after buying and selling 2,000 more 2005 CDIs at an average price of $3/chip this past year. I cancelled my for sale listing a while back, after no action at $3/chip. I would be willing to chalk it up to experience and take a $500 lashing on the set, but your comments here suggest $1,000 to $1,500 loss might be expected. Obviously I paid inflated prices out of being too trusting of other PCF members to list at fair prices and paying their ask. But threads like this have not helped. Essentially telling the market not to pay more than X does not seem fair to the entire community... especially to sellers, when they have helped create a market for a chip that others want and are willing to pay for but you seem to have no real interest in owning. Just sayin'.

 

[aaronroch]

I think we can conclude that:

(1) these routinely sell on the open market for over $2 / chip. I have seen many sets sold on here in the last 6 months for $2-$3 / chip. On eBay they routinely sell for over $4 / chip.

(2) If you are looking for paulson chips for your home game and not specifically these chips, there are many other options you should consider.

Also, if you are still trying to talk the seller down, this recently-completed eBay sale (for a playable breakdown) may help your case. It is a significant outlier price-wise, so much so that it makes me wonder what I’m missing, but he may not go through the trouble of searching other eBay competed sales. 500 chips for $675 shipped.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-Clay-...514803?hash=item28845f11b3:g:XNYAAOSwi3Rdb-YC

 

[Steppenwolf]

Well put @aaronroch. And to @BGinGA's point, I agree that THC mold chips from real casinos (and perhaps fake casinos and even some fantasy chips) tend to be a better long-term investment.

 

[RET258]

New here, and was looking at a set of CDI chips, good information.

 

[Steppenwolf]

Pardon the tangent @Coyotesetter, but out of curiosity, @BGinGA what is the "right thing to do" as a member of this community, when you have overpaid for chips and need to sell them? Do you encourage only to sell within PCF for whatever price you can get, or would it be socially acceptable to sell for more on eBay, when it is simply a matter of recouping cost? I have yet to list any chips on eBay, but have obviosuly considered putting these up.

 

[Polochris]

Interesting read. I will admit, I sold @Steppenwolf a large 20 person tournament set of the 2005 CDI chips to him for around $3 a chip, and that is simply because that is what I paid. A big part of that set was from Germany, Australia, and over seas, and they wanted $3.75 for some denominations!

So all in all, I would say $2-$3.50 is a decent price, and IMO ANY Paulson chip with sharp edges under $2 is a really good deal.

 

[aaronroch]

I know you’re not asking my opinion, @Steppenwolf , but I can’t help but butt in...

These chips obviously have nostalgic value for some non-collectors. I know they do for me: they were the first real-ish chips I ever saw and at the original retail price of like $1/chip, seemed to much-younger me like the ultimate poker luxury item for rich people. For many years, they amounted to a grail set for me, and I know I am not alone in that.

Therefore I think it is a defensible argument to say that you want to let someone have a shot at their “childhood dream” chips for a price that keeps you whole. Here, they are not so special. But for the average poker player on eBay, these could very well be “the ultimate”.

My vote shouldn’t count for much but I say go let someone have their dream.

 

[Ben8257]

I wrote this early this morning and not to be burnt at the stake I didn't share but this is my opinion on the subject it's quite long... sorry I'm basically a babysitter at work and not much to do, also have a terrible habit of being long winded...

Maybe opening a can of worms here, this Is a forum and a place to discuss differences of opinion... not looking to start anything other than make a statement, and defend my own collection a bit... I feel like there are many efforts to keep prices reasonable here on PCF honest people will trade their chips within the community knowing that they could get more on eBay, i understand there are fees that must be equated there... I have witnessed people buying some chips dirt cheap on eBay and selling for increased prices here, nothing wrong with making a few dollars but a couple if these instances were over 100% mark up... not calling those people out, just saying it makes you cringe when you see it! I have had a few good opportunities to buy these chips at less than $3 a chip for the high denominations, obviously higher value because more people choose to play this set as a tournament set than cash and understandable given the number of chips produced, very low security.

In trying to finish the holes in the set I have paid over $3 a chip and happy to get them! Same old conversation of supply and demand, the current "eBay" market for the higher denoms is around $4 a chip... based off what? well there is a seller selling his collection on there for $400 a rack, crazy high... obviously not because he is down to only $.50, $1, $5 and $25 every other rack he had is sold... here is another auction very recently that I was involved in, no I did not go that high but to fill a rack I would have easily gone $3.50 a chip..

The Paraohs recently have been bringing even more! The value of these chips even in this flooded market is going up! I have had more than one person both on eBay and here contact me about mint condition 98 cdi's trying to sell them at $3 a chip, while I agree they are indeed worth $3 a chip the $1000 chips are very hard to find, people like bright flashy chips like the 05s, and while I love the $5 chip in the 98 series the rest don't have the bright wow effect, not even slightly hating on these chips ( I am slowly working on a set of those as well). Many people outside this community have no idea what the difference is between THC/RHC.

My point of this is making a statement like "I would not consider $2/chip a serious deal for these" when the second the high denoms hit your door step! You can sell them for double, the lower denoms around $180 - $200 a rack puts the value as a whole somewhere in the $2.75/ chip range... if not higher! Either way it's stupid to even make this statement (open a bag of worms, that need not be opened) as i am not selling mine, I'm proud of what i have built and I know what I can sell them for... the second part of your statement "given what else is available at that price" are we not all free to collect what we choose to? I understand the concept of over paying for chips and what it does to the values of chips for others trying to collect the same chips, but at the end of the day there are only so many of each chip made. With many collectors destroying chips to make customs which also drives the values up on those still intact, each person has to choose what they are willing to pay for any chips.

Sorry but that statement got under my skin and I think @UKcollector has given me inspiration... I have a ton of respect for the Higher contributing members of this forum, the ones that paved the way and built a forum not only as a market place but a place for us to come together and discuss our collections/ potential collections/ meet ups and the game of poker itself! I am still very new to all of this, but I have found a hobby that gives me something to look forward to each and every day!!

There are many members on this forum that own and cherish these exact chips, to those members I say they are amazing chips that will always have a place in history for the home market, they have value, that value has been on the rise for a long time it is gradual and exactly the type of increase you want to see on your investment, the next big flashy set may hit the market... the demand may be extremely high in the beginning but already members are taking losses on those trying to move them. While those new chips flood the market and lower the rates on many desirable sets, these particular chips that the whole world knows outside of PCF remain strong. Example the Aurora Star hot stamp tourney chips (my absolute favorite!!) Desierable yes of course but very few in circulation, potentially adding to a set is even more difficult, so the value is high but I dont see an increase because the inflation has already occurred and the market is basically PCF members only, most of the outside world has zero knowledge of their existence therefore Anyone looking to invest in these chip I believe is still wise (because of the world wide market, not only our community) and I dont think the market is topped out on them.

Now to turn the tables and give a compliment where it is well due... sometimes questioning a member of @BGinGA stature will result in running and hiding woth your tail between your legs. The knowledge you have gained with many years of experience in the hobby is at the very top in my humble opinion, the dedication and endless hours you donate to the community and its members to be more informed and overall better collectors and even poker players is award worthy and I am thankful to also be a recipient of some of that knowledge in my short time here on the forum! On this particular topic I simply disagree... I have said my peace and now willing to throw myself before the court and very interested in any rebuttals/ opinions that may come from my possible lack of knowledge of why my price point isn't closer to correct? To any potential grammar nazi's, I do apologize for my high school education/blue collar/construction worker level of vocabulary, to be honest its not their fault either I was never very good in school! Lol and I do apologize for being so long winded but in the least I hope this is a good read for some of you!! I have a feeling after a rebuttal I will be forced to change my user name to @idiotcollector but I'm ok with that as well!!

Fellow chipper Ben

 

[Steppenwolf]

Thank you @aaronroch. I have seen a lot of pressure from this forum not to sell on eBay, just to keep chips within the community. And lots of comments about inflated eBay prices. I personally strive to be honest and fair in all my dealings. But the lesson I have learned is that paying PCF ask, without questioning fair value, may put you in a position where you either have to A) overcharge to recoup your cost or B) take it on the chin and suffer a loss. At the end of the day, neither of these options seems very fair after all. I agree with your sentiments and thank you for taking the time to speak up. Lesson for the OP.... #rentingchipsisntfreeifyouoverpay.

 

[Polochris]

I wrote this early this morning and not to be burnt at the stake I didn't share but this is my opinion on the subject it's quite long... sorry I'm basically a babysitter at work and not much to do, also have a terrible habit of being long winded...

Maybe opening a can of worms here, this Is a forum and a place to discuss differences of opinion... not looking to start anything other than make a statement, and defend my own collection a bit... I feel like there are many efforts to keep prices reasonable here on PCF honest people will trade their chips within the community knowing that they could get more on eBay, i understand there are fees that must be equated there... I have witnessed people buying some chips dirt cheap on eBay and selling for increased prices here, nothing wrong with making a few dollars but a couple if these instances were over 100% mark up... not calling those people out, just saying it makes you cringe when you see it! I have had a few good opportunities to buy these chips at less than $3 a chip for the high denominations, obviously higher value because more people choose to play this set as a tournament set than cash and understandable given the number of chips produced, very low security.

In trying to finish the holes in the set I have paid over $3 a chip and happy to get them! Same old conversation of supply and demand, the current "eBay" market for the higher denoms is around $4 a chip... based off what? well there is a seller selling his collection on there for $400 a rack, crazy high... obviously not because he is down to only $.50, $1, $5 and $25 every other rack he had is sold... here is another auction very recently that I was involved in, no I did not go that high but to fill a rack I would have easily gone $3.50 a chip..
View attachment 350383
The Paraohs recently have been bringing even more! The value of these chips even in this flooded market is going up! I have had more than one person both on eBay and here contact me about mint condition 98 cdi's trying to sell them at $3 a chip, while I agree they are indeed worth $3 a chip the $1000 chips are very hard to find, people like bright flashy chips like the 05s, and while I love the $5 chip in the 98 series the rest don't have the bright wow effect, not even slightly hating on these chips ( I am slowly working on a set of those as well). Many people outside this community have no idea what the difference is between THC/RHC.

My point of this is making a statement like "I would not consider $2/chip a serious deal for these" when the second the high denoms hit your door step! You can sell them for double, the lower denoms around $180 - $200 a rack puts the value as a whole somewhere in the $2.75/ chip range... if not higher! Either way it's stupid to even make this statement (open a bag of worms, that need not be opened) as i am not selling mine, I'm proud of what i have built and I know what I can sell them for... the second part of your statement "given what else is available at that price" are we not all free to collect what we choose to? I understand the concept of over paying for chips and what it does to the values of chips for others trying to collect the same chips, but at the end of the day there are only so many of each chip made. With many collectors destroying chips to make customs which also drives the values up on those still intact, each person has to choose what they are willing to pay for any chips.

Sorry but that statement got under my skin and I think @UKcollector has given me inspiration... I have a ton of respect for the Higher contributing members of this forum, the ones that paved the way and built a forum not only as a market place but a place for us to come together and discuss our collections/ potential collections/ meet ups and the game of poker itself! I am still very new to all of this, but I have found a hobby that gives me something to look forward to each and every day!!

There are many members on this forum that own and cherish these exact chips, to those members I say they are amazing chips that will always have a place in history for the home market, they have value, that value has been on the rise for a long time it is gradual and exactly the type of increase you want to see on your investment, the next big flashy set may hit the market... the demand may be extremely high in the beginning but already members are taking losses on those trying to move them. While those new chips flood the market and lower the rates on many desirable sets, these particular chips that the whole world knows outside of PCF remain strong. Example the Aurora Star hot stamp tourney chips (my absolute favorite!!) Desierable yes of course but very few in circulation, potentially adding to a set is even more difficult, so the value is high but I dont see an increase because the inflation has already occurred and the market is basically PCF members only, most of the outside world has zero knowledge of their existence therefore Anyone looking to invest in these chip I believe is still wise (because of the world wide market, not only our community) and I dont think the market is topped out on them.

Now to turn the tables and give a compliment where it is well due... sometimes questioning a member of @BGinGA stature will result in running and hiding woth your tail between your legs. The knowledge you have gained with many years of experience in the hobby is at the very top in my humble opinion, the dedication and endless hours you donate to the community and its members to be more informed and overall better collectors and even poker players is award worthy and I am thankful to also be a recipient of some of that knowledge in my short time here on the forum! On this particular topic I simply disagree... I have said my peace and now willing to throw myself before the court and very interested in any rebuttals/ opinions that may come from my possible lack of knowledge of why my price point isn't closer to correct? To any potential grammar nazi's, I do apologize for my high school education/blue collar/construction worker level of vocabulary, to be honest its not their fault either I was never very good in school! Lol and I do apologize for being so long winded but in the least I hope this is a good read for some of you!! I have a feeling after a rebuttal I will be forced to change my user name to @idiotcollector but I'm ok with that as well!!

Fellow chipper Ben

Very well said Ben! and I am not just saying that as a fellow CDI/James Bond lover. These chips are also named the James Bond chips. Not many stock Paulson chips get to have a double meaning. Every time I play with these chips, I think of James Bond (Another serious hobby of mine). Not many Paulson chips can say that!