Collection by Howard W. Herz

The Platinum Collection sought. In several instances entire In several months collectors will collections were purchased to com- have a unique opportunity to bid (or bine missing pieces with the master watch others bid) on one of America’s collection. These included the superb greatest gaming collections that com- collection of Dr. Ariagno and the bines gaming check rarities and gam- unique dies and samples of the 1965 ing tokens. The Platinum collection gaming tokens produced by Osbourne has two distinct characteristics that Coinage Co. In the 1990’s, the unique Harrah’s platinum token was finally set it apart from other collections. As Harvey’s original collection con- added to the token collection making a collection of gaming tokens, it is the tained more than 26,000 gaming it the most complete in the world. definitive collection that has almost checks from around the world and every known specimen issued by around 3,800 different gam- Today, the collection represents Nevada casinos. As a collection of ing tokens. Between 1965, when the the definitive collection of Nevada gaming checks, it features some of collection was started and the early gaming tokens and contains numer- the great rarities from Reno, Lake 1990’s, when the collection was sold, ous patterns, proofs and specimen Tahoe and . As a combined Harvey’s obtained many of the rarest strikes along with the standard busi- collection, it has the distinction of and highest quality gaming checks ness strikes. being a collection that can not be and tokens that were available when reproduced and is the single finest collecting gaming items was in its Luck, fate and fortune have all collection of Nevada chips and tokens infancy. In several instances over played a hand in the creation of the in the world. James Campiglia, a the years, entire collections were pur- Platinum collection. Despite being consultant to the collection, has repre- chased and combined into a master sold a number of times, many of the sented many of the collection pieces collection of checks and tokens. A original checks from Harvey’s collec- as being very desirable and extremely number of dealers assisted in the tion are still in the group. Having rare. Gaming Archaeology’s considers development of the token collection been sold to some of America’s top the gaming tokens to be abundant in including Elta Gray and Frank collectors of the day such as Gene rarities in super condition. The collec- Mantell. Checks and tokens were con- Grossblatt, Bruce Landau and Jerry tion is named for the unique platinum stantly upgraded and duplicates were Wall, these pieces have once again dollar gaming token that the Franklin traded for additional items. Mint made for William Harrah in found their way back into the collec- tion. 1965 and is considered to be the first In the early 1990’s, Harvey’s col- Nevada gaming token. lection was sold to new owners and Gaming checks and tokens are the the gaming checks were auctioned tangible artifacts of a casinos Building the Collection over a period of 4 years. Several casi- existence. With many of the rarest no check groups in the collection and most historic checks and tokens The Platinum collection has a were purchased by a single collector included, the Platinum collection unique provenance that has given it who continued to acquire additional reflects the development of the both depth and quality. Major por- material that specialized on the strip Nevada gaming industry from the tions of the collection are the original casinos of Las Vegas. pieces acquired by Harvey’s Resort crowded club rooms of the 1930’s to the Mega strip resorts of Las Vegas in Hotel starting in 1965. Additional The entire gaming token collection the 21st Century. rarities from other great collections as remained intact and the new owner well as single pieces that have continued to collect as new pieces As gaming checks and tokens con- surfaced over the last decade have were issued by the casinos. In every tinue to gain in popularity with been added to the collection in instance, the best condition was recent years. collectors, this pioneering collection

CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | Summer 2005 21 will always be recognized as one of the defining collections of the hobby. With 2,400 plus gaming checks and more than 3,800 gaming tokens, the collection reflects the wide variety of gaming check and token styles that Nevada casinos have used for the past 74 years of legalized gaming. The Platinum collection reflects 40 years of collecting. Collectors and gaming historians can view the collection at www.chipsandtokens.com

A few of the highlights of the col- lection are illustrated on the following pages.

1965 (O) Diamond Jim’s 50¢ One of two known examples of the rare issue struck only as samples in brass. (Token shown enlarged)

1965 (O) Sonoma Inn One of two known examples struck in brass. Considered one of the rarest of the Harvey’s Crystal Bay Club 1965 token issues. 1965 - (MTE) Pattern 1965 - MTE

22 CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | Summer 2005 $100 Aladdin Hotel $100 Excalibur Hotel Csino $100 Monte Carlo Casino Limited Edition Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas, Nevada

$100 Bally’s Hotel $100 Golden Nugget $100 Ramada Express Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas, Nevada Laughlin, Nevada

$25 Buffalo Bills $100 Hard Rock Cafe $100 Rio Suites Hotel Jean, Nevada Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas, Nevada

$100 Caesars Tahoe $100 MGM Sands Hotel Casino $100 Stardust Hotel State Line Lake Tahoe Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas, Nevada

CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | Summer 2005 23 Gaming Checks of gaming in 1931, the Bank Club but sometimes complained that the from the Platinum Collection moved up to the street level in April edges were too sharp. of 1931 with a “Grand Opening” that 1 celebrated the legalization of gaming 9 $5 Harrah’s and its acceptance by Reno’s citizens. 10¢ Palace Club Reno, Nevada - Circa 1950’s Reno, Nevada (1934-1979) 5 One of Harrah’s first inlaid gaming $5 New China Club One of Reno’s oldest clubs that checks. As Harrah’s developed from a Reno, Nevada - (1952-1971) was operating before the legalization “tango” or bingo parlor to a full of gaming in 1931. The club was fledged gaming house, they began to One of Reno’s clubs that catered to located near the train station and expand on Virginia Street. At first clientele of all races during the could trace its roots to the days before they used plain hot stamped checks, days when Nevada gaming was segre- gaming was prohibited in 1910. but graduated to the more expensive gated. Bill Fong operated the club and inlaid checks in the early 1950’s. featured keno as well as a full line of 10 table games. $2.50 Primadonna Club 2 Reno, Nevada (1955-1974) $100 Colony Club 6 Reno, Nevada (1946-1964) 50¢ Zimba’s Ernie Primm’s club featured larger Reno, Nevada (1969-1972) than life dancing girl statues over This small casino was located on its entrance on Virginia Street. This the corner of Virginia street and A small club located in Reno’s style of gaming check features a Commercial Row in downtown Reno. Commercial Row area. One of the “pie” color design. Ernie Primm was The owners would not sell to their more colorful checks issued in an experienced gambler from the card neighbor Harolds club but leased the Nevada in a low denomination. rooms of Gardena, California who roof to Harolds for a sign. Every moved to Nevada. month the check for the sign rental 7 came in from Harolds and the rest of $1000 Harold’s Club 11 the gaming profits were gravy. Reno, Nevada (1935-1970) $5 China Mint Reno, Nevada (1960-1963) 3 Possibly one of Reno’s most world $5 The Town House famous casinos. A high denomination One of Reno’s Asian clubs located Reno, Nevada - (Circa 1950’s) check featuring a portrait of its on Lake Street between 1960 and founder Harold Smith in his cowboy 1963. The owners, Frank Chung, Featuring “The Riding Lesson” by hat. The club actively promoted their Henry Leong, Andrew Young and Lou Hymer - a local illustrator’s business around the world with William Baily Sr. operated slots and famous characterization of the dude signs that noted the distance to table games. In 1963 they moved ranch cowboy and two divorcees Harolds Club. After years of family their license to the Happy Budda getting a riding lesson in a bar. The ownership, the Smith family sold the Club. small club operated from 1932 to casino to Howard Hughes in 1970. 1955. Its cozy atmosphere was 12 favored by locals. 8 $20 United Club Reno $100 RR (Reno Ramada) Reno, Nevada (1962-1964) 4 Reno, Nevada (1980-1989) $100 Bank Club Reno A small club located in Douglas Reno, Nevada - (Circa 1940’s) A small casino operation to the Alley, an area where Reno’s gaming northeast of the downtown center. started in the late 1920’s. This club Reno’s most famous club of the The casino survived for 9 years but was owned by Gene and Tom Wong. 1930’s and 1940’s operated by Bill could not compete against the solid They featured slots, 21 and a poker Graham and James McKay. downtown clubs. Their brass core game. The Club closed in October of Originally opened in the basement of checks were an innovation in gaming 1964. the building prior to the legalization checks. Dealers favored the weight

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CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | Summer 2005 25 13 17 21 25¢ Club Cal-Neva $5 Frontier Reno $5 Primadonna Club Reno, Nevada (1962-) Reno, Nevada (1946-1956) Reno, Nevada (1955-1974)

Originally located in the heart of In the heart of downtown Reno, The Primadonna girl sits on a slot Reno on the corner of Center and this casino featured the highest keno machine and offers a drink and a Second Streets, this club has expand- limit of $10,000 in 1953. Only when keno ticket. One of the downtown ed over the years to include the Binion’s in Las Vegas went to core casinos on Virginia Street. this entire block. Besides featuring table $25,000 was the limit outdone. This gaming check is one of the older games and slots, the club’s owners club was absorbed into Harrah’s in checks from the casino. have licensed sports books in many 1956. other casinos in the state. 22 18 (no value) Nevada Club 14 $100 Holiday Hotel Reno, Nevada (1946-1988) $500 Circus-Circus Reno, Nevada (1956-1962) Reno, Nevada (1978-) These chips were made for the Originally opened in 1955 as only exclusive use of Reno millionaire After a sucessful casino venture in a hotel without gambling, the proper- Lavere Redfield by the club owner Las Vegas, the owners of Circus - ty failed. In 1956, Newt Crumley of Lincoln Fitzgerald. Their value could Circus bought a department store in Elko, Nevada purchased in interest in be determined at the time of play. Reno and converted it into a casino. the property and put in gaming. The Redfield and Fitzgerald had been Nevada’s gaming control board certi- property became sucessful until the friends from the days of the depres- fied that only two examples were not untimely death of Mr. Crumley in an sion in Detroit where both men start- accounted for when they destroyed airplane accident n 1962. ed their fortunes. these high value gaming checks. 19 23 15 $2.50 Horseshoe Club $500 MGM Grand Hotel $1 Christmas Tree Reno, Nevada (1956-1977) Reno, Nevada (1978-1986) Mount Rose Highway S. of Reno (1954-1959) This denomination was used to The first destination resort hotel to pay blackjack bets. The casino was in be built in Reno. The MGM offered This small steakhouse featured the heart of the downtown gaming guests a complete resort destination mahagony broiled steaks and a view block on virginia Street and owned by facility. The MGM was predicted to over Reno from the side of a moun- a group of investors. The horseshoe be the start of a massive casino tain. Its “casino” usually had only a sign was touted as the biggest expansion in Reno, but over the couple of table games. During the horseshoe in the world. years, casino growth has declined in ownership of the restaurant by Guy Reno. and Gloria Michaels, Gloria’s exotic 20 lion pets were frequently seen. 100 24 Reno, Nevada (1947-1982) $100 Riverside Hotel 16 Reno, Nevada (1954-1959) $25 Golden Bank Downtown Reno’s highrise hotel Reno, Nevada (1955-1962) that featured a casino/dining room on The “hot stamp” check was used at the top floor. For years the Mapes one of Reno’s oldest hotels. When the Tomerlin brothers offered Reno’s top accomodations. Originally dating from the 1880’s, the bought the Golden Hotel they had no This check features a metal wafer hotel was rebuilt by George gaming experience. In 1955 William inlay popular in the late 1940’s. The Wingfield in the 1920’s with addi- and James Tomerlin combined the casino used two sets of gaming tions in the 1950’s. The hotel still Bank Club and the Golden Hotel casi- checks, one for the first floor casino stands today and is used as an art no by cutting a doorway in the wall and a second set at the Skyroom. This complex. In its hayday, the Riverside between the two operation to create system allowed an accounting of featured top name entertainment and the Golden Bank. The casino operated the number of players who visited a full line of table games. until destroyed by a fire in 1962. both casino areas.

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CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | Summer 2005 27 25 surviving example of the denomina- issued following the May 1937 fire $100 Cal-Neva Biltmore tion. This club featured seasonal gam- that destroyed the original casino. Crystal Bay, Lake Tahoe Nevada ing in the 1950’s and 1960’s. (1952-1956) Recently remodeled by new owners, 33 the club now offers year round hospi- $5 Sierra Tahoe This hotel catered to players from tality. The original casino housed a Incline Village, Lake Tahoe Nevada San Francisco who visited Lake bowling alley with a spectacular open (1965-1966) Tahoe’s north shore in the summers. ceiling that now serves as the restaurant. Originally operating on a seasonal This operation lasted for a single basis, the Biltmore featured hotel 29 year on the north shore of Lake rooms and a separate casino. In 1956 $25 New Cal-Vada Lodge Tahoe. Today the building, on the the hotel was purchased by Lincoln Crystal Bay, Lake Tahoe Nevada shore of Lake Tahoe, operates as a Fitagerald and renamed the Nevada (1956-1958) restaurant only. Lodge. Operating for a brief time in the 34 26 1950’s, the casino was purchased by $100 CLN (Cal-Neva Lodge) $25 Cal-Neva (Lodge) the Nevada Lodge after an arson (1948-1955) Crystal Bay, Lake Tahoe Nevada attempt failed to ignite the building. (1937) The closed casino was used for stor- One of the most intriguing letter- age until it was sold and remodeled ing styles on a Nevada gaming check. These checks were featured at the as a brewery. One of the mysteries of this check is famous Lake Tahoe lodge after a why the full name of the casino disastrous fire in May of 1937 result- 30 was not used. It is possible that this ed in a rebuilding of the property $1 Cal-Neva Lodge high denomination was used for for an opening on July 4th!! Owners, Crystal Bay, Lake Tahoe Nevada special play or for a special game. Graham and McKay, excerised their (1955-1958) considerable power in Reno to have 35 the Lodge completed on time. The One of the various ownerships of $20 Nevada Club Nevada Lodge construction is still considered as the lodge issued this check in the late Reno & Crystal Bay Nevada some of the most beautiful at the 1950’s. Seasonally operating, the (1958-1988) Lake with the California/Nevada state casino was open from Late May line running through the Indian through Labor Day. A denomination that was popular Room and the swimming pool. in the 1950’s that corresponded to 31 U.S. currency values. In the 1960, 27 $5 Joby’s Monte Carlo almost every casino used the $25 $500 Kings Castle Crystal Bay, Lake Tahoe Nevada denomination that encouraged gam- Incline Village, Lake Tahoe Nevada (1955-1956) blers to play an extra $5. Lincoln (1968-1974) Fitzgerald operated both the Nevada Operated by Joby Lewis for two Lodge and the Nevada Club in Reno. A high value check from this Lake seasons, the casino was bought by the Tahoe casino that ran afoul of gaming Nevada Lodge and annexed as a 36 regulations and was closed by author- bingo room. Mr. Lewis moved to $100 Ta-Neva-Ho ities. Financed by the teamsters Hawthorne, Nevada and opened a Crystal Bay, Lake Tahoe Nevada Union, the casino operated for several casino also named the Monte Carlo. (1937-1940’s) years until authorities questioned their accounting. 32 This small gaming casino eventu- roulette Cal-Neva (Lodge) ally developed into the Crystal Bay 28 Crystal Bay, Lake Tahoe Nevada Club. With seasonal gaming and sev- $25 Crystal Bay Club (1937) eral changes in ownership over the Crystal Bay, Lake Tahoe Nevada years the club had erratic operations (circa 1950’s) One of the beautiful pine cone until Johnny Rayburn took control motif roulette chips used on the casinos and developed the property into the This early check may be the only roulette tables. These chips were Crystal Bay club.

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CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | Summer 2005 29 37 41 45 $5 Dopey Norman $5 South Shore Riverboat $2.50 Sahara Tahoe Stateline, Lake Tahoe Nevada Stateline, Lake Tahoe Nevada Stateline, Lake Tahoe Nevada (circa 1953) (1970) (1965-1983)

Raymond N Reinberg operated a A one season operation casino that The Del Webb corporation leased card game in Vallejo before moving lasted for two months in the summer land from Park Cattle Co. and built a to Lake Tahoe and operating a small of 1970 The single 21 table and six hotel casino at Lake Tahoe. Taking club squeezed between the California slot machines filled the club. the name of their flagship property, state line and George Cannon’s the Sahara in Las Vegas, they created Gateway Club. Raymond’s nickname 42 the Sahara Tahoe. This $2.50 black- “Dopey” was given by George $2.50 Harvey’s jack check featured their Lake Tahoe Cannon and other friends for his more Stateline, Lake Tahoe Nevada logo. than frequent drinking. (1963-) 46 38 Starting in 1945 as Harvey’s $20 Sahara Tahoe $5 Barney’s Casino Wagon Wheel Saloon & Gambling Stateline, Lake Tahoe Nevada Stateline, Lake Tahoe Nevada Hall, Harvey and Llewellyn Gross (1965-1983) (1967-1983) built a small restaurant into Lake Tahoe’s first high rise hotel. By stay- In 1965, the Bud Jones company Started by Barney O’Malia in ing open during the hardest winters developed a metal center plastic gam- 1967, this small club had been the and working 20 hour shifts, they man- ing check. This example from the Circus Room. When Harrah’s expand- aged to survive the seasonal tourist Sahara Tahoe is one of the earliest ed Bill’s Casino, they purchased fluctuations of the Lake. checks of this type. The $20 denomi- Barney’s and incorporated it into the nation was frequently used for bac- expansion. Barney O’Malia’s gaming 43 carat tables. career included gambling in $100 John’s Tahoe Nugget Hawthorne and Fallon, Nevada. Stateline, Lake Tahoe Nevada 47 (1981-1991) Tahoe Village 39 Stateline, Lake Tahoe Nevada $5 Nugget John Fultz purchased the South (1949-1951) Stateline, Lake Tahoe Nevada Tahoe Nugget from the estate of (1965-1968) Richard Chartrand and operated the This metal wafer roulette chip is club for 10 years. After ten years of one of a series featuring the recre- This small casino was owned by a operation the casino was again sold. ational assets of Lake Tahoe. The group of partners. Several years after Tahoe Village featured a full line of the principal partner, Dick Chartrand, 44 gaming. Located about one mile north was killed by a car bomb, the casino $25 Harrah’s Club of the stateline, the property over- was sold. Reno and Lake Tahoe looked a meadow that went down to (1956) the lake. 40 $100 State Line Country Club Bill Harrah purchased George 48 Stateline, Lake Tahoe Nevada Cannon’s Gateway Club on the west $100 Sky Harbor (1953-1956) side of highway 50 in 1955. At the Stateline, Lake Tahoe Nevada time Harrah’s Club had a logo featur- (1949-1951) Originally built in 1931, the club ing a sultan with his harem. This logo had a casino and show room. After a was a part of Harrah’s famous cam- Located about a mile north of the number of ownerships and casino paign slogan “I hit the jackpot at stateline, Sky Harbour was south operators, the club was purchased by Harrah’s”. A local rumor has it that Lake Tahoe’s only airport. A small Bill Harrah and operated for a year as someone once commented that the casino was located near the highway Harrah’s Stateline Country Club chip was Bill Harrah and his wives - 50 end of the runway. Operating sea- before it was torn down in 1959 for a quip that resulted in the demise of sonally, the club featured full gaming the building of Harrah’s Tahoe. the logo. and a showroom.

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CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | Summer 2005 31 49 53 hotel. The crown mold on this check $100 Golden Nugget $5 Lucky Casino is from the T.R. King Co. of Los , Nevada Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada Angeles. (1970’s) (1963-1967) 57 From the casino that was the focus At the present time, this is the only $25 Pioneer Club of downtown Las Vegas for decades. known example of this check that Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada The golden Nugget was first opened is undrilled. It is one of the super (1948-1956) in 1946. Its colorful entrance checks from downtown Las Vegas. symbolized the bright lights of Glitter Like other casinos in the area, this The pioneer was located in the Gulch, the tacky name for Fremont St. operation was boght by the Golden heart of Glitter Gulch. It’s famous Nugget and its building incorporated sign featuring the cowboy Vegas Vic 50 into the Nugget block. dominated Fremont street and for $5 Bouder Club years was the symbol of Las Vegas. Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada 54 The casino is now a gift shop, but (1931-1960) $25 Binion’s Horseshoe Club Vegas Vic continues to wave. Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada The Boulder Club was considered (1951-1958) 58 as a working man’s joint. It gaming $25 The Westerner checks featured the image of Boulder Benny Binion was a Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada Dam, the club’s namesake. The pat- true gambler. His Horseshoe Club (1954-1960) tern of arrows and dice around the remained one of the purest gambling center inlay is the manufacturer’s houses in Las Vegas. Your first bet Located at 22 Fremont street, the “mold” pattern. This “arrow-die” was your limit. This club held a Westerner was once operated by mold is one of the most popular with number of firsts including a single Benny Binion when he first arrived collectors and this issue of the million dollar roll of the dice on on the Las Vegas scene. The casino “Boulder Club” is one of the top 10 the craps table to the World renowned featured a western atmosphere in the checks from Las Vegas. World Series of Poker. This check heart of Glitter Gulch. is one of 7 in collections. 51 59 $25 Hotel 55 $5 Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada $5 Cotton Club Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada (1947-1963) Las Vegas, Nevada (Westside) (1951-1961) (1947-1948) This gaming check is a classic The famous Las Vegas gaming example of the artwork of the 1950’s. The Cotton Club was located on check featured the one armed bandit For years the hotel was operated by the West side of Las Vegas. In the slot machines that the Las Vegas club Jackie Gaughan, the dean of Las segregation days of Las Vegas even was famous for. These slot machines Vegas gamblers. Customers could the most famous entertainers like were housed in hand carved wooden find Jackie picking up papers from Sammy Davis Jr. had to stay in this statues of outlaws made by Frank the carpet or just looking around at section of town. Polk. the action. 56 60 52 $1 The Mint $1 Silver Palace $1 Fremont Hotel Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada (1957-1966) (1963-1964) (1956-1985) This casino was opened by Sam This gaming check features a like- This classic “arrow-dice” mold Boyd and a group of investors. The ness of the U.S. peace dollar that gamingcheck is one of the more col- casino was slowly expanded as other circulated up to the silver crisis days orful issued by the hotel. Its attractive adjacent properties became available. of 1964 when rising silver prices colors and early issue make it one of In 1966 the Del Webb corporation drove the last of the silver dollars off the more desirable checks for collectors. purchased the property and built a of the gaming tables of Nevada.

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CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | Summer 2005 33 61 Wilbur Clark became one of the most 68 $100 Hotel outstanding hosts of Las Vegas. His $5 Dunes Hotel , Nevada golf Tournament of Champions Las Vegas strip, Nevada (1983-1988) became famous throughout the country. (1955-1956)

With one of the largest neon signs 65 The original Dunes gaming checks on the strip, the casino specialized in $100 Hotel Bonanza featured a giant Arabian palace guard junket flights from the east coast. Las Vegas strip, Nevada complete with symitar and turban. As With an adjoining golf course, the (1967-1973) one of the rarest and most sought hotel was a choice property and when after gaming checks of the classic Steve Wynn saw the chance, he The Bonanza was built on the cor- period of the mid-1950’s, this check bought the hotel, imploded it and ner of Flamingo and Las Vegas is a true treasure. built in its place. This Boulevard when the strip was still check features the top section of the developing southward. It operated for 69 famous Dunes sign. a few years until an enterprising man roulette Dunes Hotel named Kirk Kerkorian purchased the Las Vegas strip, Nevada 62 casino and built the MGM Grand on (1955-1956) $1 Milton Prell’s Aladdin the property. The Bonanza had a Las Vegas strip, Nevada western theme but was never a great The roulette wheels of the Dunes (1966-1968) success. featured their classic Arabian palace guard logo. One of the most popular Milton Prell’s dream to build a 66 roulette chip series for collectors, resort hotel came true with the $1000 this yellow issue is one of 4 or 5 Aladdin in 1966. After two years of Las Vegas strip, Nevada know to have survived over the years. operations, the hotel fell on hard (1988-2003) times and was taken over by the 70 Parvin-Dorman group. This original After the days of Wilbur Clark, $5 Hotel Dunes Card Room issue gaming check was used in the Howard Hughes and others, the DI Las Vegas strip, Nevada card room of the hotel. At the present and its golf course maintained a solid (1970’s) time, it is one of three known examples. position on the strip. But all good things in Las Vegas have to make This special use check has a non- 63 way for better things and today the negotiable value of $5 for use in the $500 Milton Prell’s Aladdin once proud property of the DI houses card room. Las Vegas strip, Nevada the newest (for the moment) (1966-1968) creation of the city in the form of the 71 Wynn Hotel. $5 Dunes Hotel Country Club This high value check is not only Las Vegas strip, Nevada colorful but highly collectible 67 (1956-1980) because of its “pie” color combina- $5 Ceasars Palace tions and its denomination. An Las Vegas strip, Nevada This check shows a portrait of the original issue of the Aladdin in 1966. (1966-1969) hotel as it appeared in its later years. This extremely hard to find check is 64 The original issue of Caesars popular with collectors. $25 Wilbur Clark’s Desert Inn Palace featured Caesar on a couch. A Las Vegas strip, Nevada modern tribute to the opulence of 72 (1950-1967) Rome and the Caesars all on the $25,000 Dunes Baccarat northwest corner of Flamingo and Las Las Vegas strip, Nevada Wilbur Clark’s dream hotel was Vegas Boulevard south. Caesars (1989-1993) the Desert Inn. Although financial quickly became the home of the high problems required that Clark take on rollers in Las Vegas and still holds This extremely high value check additional financial partners, the its own on the strip where a world of was strictly for high rollers in the Desert Inn was always considered to gilded glitz and glitter abound. Dunes’ baccarat game. be the Clark’s. Over the years

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CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | Summer 2005 35 73 77 81 $25 The Flamingo 25 The Flamingo Hotel 5 Hotel Last Frontier Las Vegas strip, Nevada (1946) Las Vegas strip, Nevada Las Vegas strip, Nevada (1947-48) (1942-1951) Benjamin Siegel ordered these gaming checks from the B.C. Wills One of the hardest to find checks A smooth style craps check of the Co. of Detroit in late 1946 for his of the Flamingo with only 2 known “crest & seal” type made by B.C. dream casino. A flat check with a examples as of this date. A beautiful Wills for the hotel during the war. metal wafer inlay was used on the and classic check, this issue The Hotel Last Frontier featured a craps tables. appeared after Siegel was gunned number of original buildings brought down. in from ghost towns in Nevada and 74 California. 50¢ Flamingo Capri 78 Las Vegas strip, Nevada Flamingo 82 (1973-1979) Las Vegas strip, Nevada $25 New Frontier (early 1950’s Las Vegas strip, Nevada This small neighbor of the well (1955-1956) known Flamingo began as a motel This smooth “crest & seal” and a coffee shop. The coffee shop roulette has the Flamingo’s famous In the 1950’s, the Frontier became a small casino with slots and “bubble tower” that was put up in the Hotel caught the fever of the modern then gaming tables. early 1950’s. times and remodeled. After a year and a half of operation the hotel fold- 75 79 ed - apparently caught between its $25 $100 Flamingo historically oriented western past and Las Vegas strip, Nevada Las Vegas strip, Nevada the modern era of formica and (1949-1960) (1971-1990) modern styling. The property mor- phed into the Gambling Most of the old timers in Las This issue of the Flamingo was Hall. Vegas will tell you that Bugsy Siegel made after the property was pur- did not start the strip - and they will chased by the Hilton Hotels. The 83 point to the El Rancho Vegas as gaming check is an example of a $500 Frontier Hotel evidence. Built in 1944, the El “house” mold. In the 1970’s, a num- Las Vegas strip, Nevada Rancho was located on the corner of ber of manufacturers offered cus- (1967-1988) what is now Sahara and Las Vegas tomers the advantage of Boulevard. On June 17, 1960 the having a house mold rather than the Shortly after its opening by a casino burned in a spectacular fire. manufacturers mold design. This group of investors, Howard Hughes The gaming check is one of those additional security devise is now used swooped in and purchased the proper- recovered from the fire. by most of the larger casino in ty. Located just a short distance from the world. This Flamingo issue, his recluse quarters at the Desert Inn. 76 although later in the history of the $100 The Flamingo casino still merits considerable atten- 84 Las Vegas strip, Nevada (1946) tion from collectors. $5 New Frontier Las Vegas strip, Nevada When the Flamingo opened, they 80 (1955-1956) used the B.C. Wills “Grecian design” $25 The Flamingo Hotel checks on the blackjack tables as Las Vegas strip, Nevada One of the very few gaming opposed to the smooth craps checks. (1967-1973) checks made for a Nevada casino Both issues had the metal wafer inaly. with the “hourglass” mold of Rigdon This classic original issue of This Flamingo issue was made on & Co. This check and an earlier issue the Flamingo was one of 19 found in the “H” mold by the H.C. Edwards on the “rectangle” mold of the a small hoard in the 1990’s. The company of New York. A very rare Langworthy company apparently demand for this check far outstrips and sought after issue by the hotel in were used in the shrot 18 months of the quantity available. the 1970’s. operation of the casino.

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CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | Summer 2005 37 85 Hughes refused to make final 93 $25 El Rancho Vegas arrangements for the opening until the $5 Riviera Hotel Las Vegas strip, Nevada last moment. Las Vegas strip, Nevada (1944-1947) (1955) 89 Wilbur Clark operated the El $10,000 Little Ceasars This is one of the earliest issues of Rancho Vegas in the mid-1940’s. As Las Vegas strip, Nevada the hotel. The “balloons” or colored the first casino/hotel on what was to (1970-1994) circles were used on the stationary for become the famous strip, the El the grand opening press kit. This Rancho became famous as a Las Despite its small size, Little hotel is one of the last remaining of Vegas landmark. Caesars had one of the largest trades the group of hotels that were built in in sports betting in Las Vegas. High the 1950’s as the Las Vegas strip 86 value sports bets were encouraged, expanded to the south. $500 Jockey Club Baccarat thus the large denominations, espe- Las Vegas strip, Nevada cially for a small casino. 94 (Gaming Never Opened-1980’s) $25 Hotel 90 Las Vegas strip, Nevada Sometimes opening a casino can $100 MGM-Sands (1955-1957) be a catch-22 situation. Licensing is a Las Vegas strip, Nevada major consideration and more than (1988-1989) When Sid Wyman and Charles once a group has been denied a “Kewpie” Rich had built the the license at the last minute. Ordering When Kirk Kerkorian sold his Sands into a successful casino, they the gaming checks takes time for original MGM Grand property he wanted their own resort hotel. After production. In the case of the Jockey purchased the Sands, Desert Inn, two years of financial problems with Club, the checks were ordered, but Marina and the Tropicana Country their new venture, they sold to the the license did not come through. Club to park his money for the build- Stardust. The Royal Nevada Hotel ing of the new MGM Grand. His brief was blended into the Stardust property. 87 ownership resulted in an issue of $5 gaming checks for his ownership 95 Las Vegas strip, Nevada under the name of the MGM and each $25 Sahara Hotel (1956-1972) of these casinos. Las Vegas strip, Nevada (1952-1961) From the first ownership of the 91 casino, this check is one of the more $5 MGM Grand The property was built by the Del popular checks with collectors with Las Vegas strip, Nevada Webb corporation (who would even- possibly only two know examples. (1976) tually own the hotel). The second issue of gaming checks featured the 88 This bicentennial check is one of hotel portico. This gaming check is $25 Landmark Hotel a dozen or so issued throughout the presently the only known example of Las Vegas, Nevada state. A number of casinos issued the denomination. (1969-1978) checks in 1976 that were termed “patriotic” with red, white and blue 96 The Landmark was located near colors, but not with any direct state- $5 Sahara Hotel the Las Vegas convention center, ment of 1976 or “Bicentennial”. Las Vegas strip, Nevada rather than on the traditional strip. It (1952) was built in 1967, but the original 92 builder/owner went into bankruptcy. $1,000 MGM-Desert Inn The first issue of the Sahara fea- Howard Hughes purchased the Las Vegas strip, Nevada turing the pyramid and Sphinx logo. property in 1969, completed construc- (1988-1991) This crest & seal is certainly in the tion and had a grand opening on July top 10 issues of Las Vegas.We believe 1, 1969. Bob Maheu, who managed One of Kirk Kerkorian’s purchases that the smooth surface check was the Hughes properties, recalled the following the sale of the original used on the craps table. opening as “frantic” as the eccentric MGM.

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CASINO CHIP AND TOKEN NEWS | Summer 2005 39 97 101 105 $5 The Sands $25 Silver Slipper $25 Hotel Thunderbird Las Vegas strip, Nevada Las Vegas strip, Nevada Las Vegas strip, Nevada (1952-1967) (1956-1968) (1949-1964)

The Sands hotel second issue gam- This classic gaming check has a Listed as the 6th issue of the hotel, ing check. This example is drilled secret. Hidden in the scroll work this denomination is very hard to (cancelled) in two places. Despite the below the denomination is the name find in any condition. Considered to cancellation, it is one of the rarest of one of the owners of the casino - be in the extremely rare category, strip hotel gaming checks. The Sands “Shelby Williams”. This intricate this check is missing in almost every featured the motto “A place in the design work was recently discovered collection. sun.” This incredibly rare check now by collectors when the original art has its own place in the sun. work for the check was examined. 106 50 Cents Tropicana 98 102 (1968-1972) $100 The Sands $25 Stardust Las Vegas strip, Nevada Las Vegas strip, Nevada One of the most colorful checks (1952-1967) (1955-1958) issued in a “pie” configuration of colors. This casino is still the home of This is considered to be the 4th The first issue of the casino in one of the longest running gaming check issue of the casino. The 1955. The logo for the casino bares a floor shows - the Folies Bergere. large sunburst and the stylized logo striking resemblance to one that was make it both a rarity and classic in use in Covington Kentucky in 107 strip check. The Sands made history the 1940’s by one of the casino’s $500 The Sands with entertainers like owners - Moe Dalitz. This interesting (1960’s) and the “rat pack”. piece is popular with collectors. The casino is one of the few surviving In an attempt to cater to the cus- 99 1950’s strip hotels. tomers who preferred the elegance of $25 The Sands Monte Carlo, several Las Vegas casi- Las Vegas strip, Nevada 103 nos tried Baccarat in the 1960’s. (1952-1967) $25 Thunder Bird Hotel Using French style “plaques”, the Las Vegas strip, Nevada casinos ran the game in the subdued One of the more colorful issues of (1949-1964) atmosphere that would be found in the Sands hotel from its early years. French casinos. The games failed to “A place in the sun” logo dates the Certainly an early issue of this attract sufficient players and the casi- piece to the early 1950’s. casino as the thunderbird appears on nos discarded the French style the grand opening key chains. The plaques and jetons. This great exam- 100 “arrow-die” mold makes this a very ple from the Sands has two “lunettes” $100 Silver Slipper collectible check and its rarity is the and a serial number. Las Vegas strip, Nevada reason that it is missing in (1951-1956) most collections.

Certainly one of the top 10 best 104 gaming checks from the Las Vegas $5 Thunderbird Hotel strip casinos. The early zig-zag mold (1949-1964) is combined with a high value to give this check spectacular popularity. The colorful thunderbird is taken Presently unique. directly from the large sign that stood at the edge of Las Vegas Blvd. The logo is one of the more colorful in Las Vegas.

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