Newbie chip set question... (1 Viewer)

[johnnyesper]

Hi all,
First, off this forum is great. Keep up the good work. I’ve very inspired by all the collections I see so I want to build a cash set. My question is are all high quality chips, like paulsons, created equal (quality) the only difference is mold, color, and collector preference? The reason I ask is I see really good deals on more common paulsons, like for instance Cleveland horseshoes, that look cool enough for me to have a starter set. What don’t want to do is buy into a set of chips thinking I’m getting the Paulson name only To get a lower quality chip. Thanks all!

 

[saleen121212]

Hi and welcome, honestly paulsons come in a several different molds, shapes and some are leaded or not leaded but they are all extremely high quality compared to every other chip on the market (not counting TRKs). The big difference with Paulsons are RHC vs THC. For instance the Cleveland 1 is a THC chip and the 5 is an RHC chip. The hats on RHC are closer to the edge which causes easier flea bits/nicks on the side of the chips, THC chips also look better with the circle edge around the hats.

 

[johnnyesper]

Thanks for the response. Is the only difference between the THC v RHC is the stamp distance from the edge of the chip? Also, what do the acronyms mean?

 

[Darson]

There are a lot of factors that influence the cost of Paulson chips but the main one is condition. New/unused chips sell for significantly more than used. It’s also harder to find new paulsons as they’re no longer sold to the public.

Of course 43mm chips sell for much more than the vastly more common 39mm chips. And the THC mold carries a premium over other molds.

But you can get a good useable set with plenty of life left in them for <$1 per chip which is a great place to start.

 

[Coyote]

Hello and welcome.
Get samples of whatever may interest you, to judge for yourself.
Most casinos mix THC and RHC Paulson molds (if they don't resort to a custom house mould, to enhance game security).
RHC shouldn't be a concern for home use (which is a tiny fraction of casino use), durability-wise. However, if you dig deep into this rabbit hole and become a chip freak, you may find out that THCs feel and sound somewhat better.
Most price differences among Paulsons are due to unused (mint) condition vs lightly-used or home-used, vs casino-used, filthy and worn, necessitating a special cleaning (ultra-sonic) and oiling. Rarity and chip fashion trends can be serious factors too.
Try some CPC samples too, (the only business in the world currently offering both custom and off-the-shelf clay chips to individuals) to see if you like them. If yes, you may or may not save some bucks, but you 'll save your sanity for sure

 

[johnnyesper]

@Darson Nice! That is exactly what I was thinking. I want a really good value set with a little flair (actual casino set used or otherwise) for my home games. The cleveland horseshoes seems like that sweet spot.

@Coyote thanks for the info. I have a collectors mind so I know I can fall down the rabbit hole. I want to avoid that with my first set. Lol.

 

[crussader]

..My question is are all high quality chips, like paulsons, created equal (quality) the only difference is mold, color, and collector preference?

Yes.

The only real "quality" difference is how used the chips in question are.

 

[allforcharity]

Just like anything else, Paulson chip prices will vary depending on several factors:

used (low) to near mint (high)
not in demand (low) to great demand (high)
very common (low) to rare (high)
unplayable set (low) to playable set (high)

Other "intangibles" might include:
fantasy chip vs. lesser known casino vs. historically relevant casino
hot stamp or inlay design features

 

[wonderpuddle]

@Darson Nice! That is exactly what I was thinking. I want a really good value set with a little flair (actual casino set used or otherwise) for my home games. The cleveland horseshoes seems like that sweet spot.

@Coyote thanks for the info. I have a collectors mind so I know I can fall down the rabbit hole. I want to avoid that with my first set. Lol.

If you are looking to pick up a good value set, check out the road house chip sale from the chip room. They go on sale soon at bargain basement prices. You could pick up a nice cash game set for under a buck a chip.

 

[auto]

This is the link to The Chip Room’s Roadhouse Casino sale. The chips need a cleaning.

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/roadhouse-casino-value-chip-sale-thread.41960/

 

[WedgeRock]

I know I can fall down the rabbit hole. I want to avoid that with my first set.

 

[johnnyesper]

View attachment 288788

 

[WedgeRock]

Now that I have a few more seconds to respond rather than just do a quick gif search, let me say that I am happy you are considering Paulsons for your first set. Too many new chippers start with low end or mid-grade chips and while some are completely satisfied and never upgrade, too many end up throwing money down the drain and having sets that can't use and can't move, except at a loss (BTW, cheaper sets make good camping/loaner/travel sets).

As far as premium sets go, there's Paulsons and there's ASM/CPC. Paulsons are casino quality and CPC are the only option for premium customizable chips.

Paulsons can be remarkably affordable. @TheChipRoom is going to be selling them for as low as $0.49 each. But there are many options available at a dollar a chip. When you start talking about mint Paulsons or more scarce Paulsons, sure the price climbs. CPCs price varies depending on how crazy you want to get with the edge spots. There are other premium chips it there (TRKs and Blue Chips, for example), but because they are no longer active companies, prices are commensurate

Bottom line, Paulsons are a great choice. The upgrades from Paulsons (to mint Paulsons) are minute and you can usually get your money back out of Paulsons. There's a much bigger secondary market. Custom CPCs are harder to move only because your custom set may not appeal to everyone, but they are premium chips and maintain value and a secondary market.

Congrats on the decision to buy the best!

 

[CacheCreekCollector]

Thanks for the response. Is the only difference between the THC v RHC is the stamp distance from the edge of the chip? Also, what do the acronyms mean?

THC = Top Hat & Cane
RHC = Reverse Hat & Cane

GL with the quest for your first Paulson chips. Oh, and welcome to the sickness.

 

[Horac]

Good info for us new peeps.

 

[Pip17]

Hello and welcome.
Get samples of whatever may interest you, to judge for yourself.
Most casinos mix THC and RHC Paulson molds (if they don't resort to a custom house mould, to enhance game security).
RHC shouldn't be a concern for home use (which is a tiny fraction of casino use), durability-wise. However, if you dig deep into this rabbit hole and become a chip freak, you may find out that THCs feel and sound somewhat better.
Most price differences among Paulsons are due to unused (mint) condition vs lightly-used or home-used, vs casino-used, filthy and worn, necessitating a special cleaning (ultra-sonic) and oiling. Rarity and chip fashion trends can be serious factors too.
Try some CPC samples too, (the only business in the world currently offering both custom and off-the-shelf clay chips to individuals) to see if you like them. If yes, you may or may not save some bucks, but you 'll save your sanity for sure

LMLAO @ "if" you become a chip freak.....

 

[johnnyesper]

Now that I have a few more seconds to respond rather than just do a quick gif search, let me say that I am happy you are considering Paulsons for your first set. Too many new chippers start with low end or mid-grade chips and while some are completely satisfied and never upgrade, too many end up throwing money down the drain and having sets that can't use and can't move, except at a loss (BTW, cheaper sets make good camping/loaner/travel sets).

As far as premium sets go, there's Paulsons and there's ASM/CPC. Paulsons are casino quality and CPC are the only option for premium customizable chips.

Paulsons can be remarkably affordable. @TheChipRoom is going to be selling them for as low as $0.49 each. But there are many options available at a dollar a chip. When you start talking about mint Paulsons or more scarce Paulsons, sure the price climbs. CPCs price varies depending on how crazy you want to get with the edge spots. There are other premium chips it there (TRKs and Blue Chips, for example), but because they are no longer active companies, prices are commensurate

Bottom line, Paulsons are a great choice. The upgrades from Paulsons (to mint Paulsons) are minute and you can usually get your money back out of Paulsons. There's a much bigger secondary market. Custom CPCs are harder to move only because your custom set may not appeal to everyone, but they are premium chips and maintain value and a secondary market.

Congrats on the decision to buy the best!

Thanks for the run down. I ordered a sample set of paulsons (Cleveland Horseshoes) so I can get a feel for them. I plan to build a cash set around them so I want to to see how they look. I got the chip addiction. I had no idea what I was missing.

 

[wuffle]

This forum is so helpful, and started me on my chipping journey (not easy here in Singapore).

Managed to snag a decent set from Chip Room (Roadhouse) and waiting for delivery!