As casinos closed or changed names, collectors grew fond of chips as a way to commemorate bygone eras. Originally, casino currency took the form of golden coins and even gold nuggets, but as gaming grew in popularity, it became necessary to devise a uniform chip. Take a closer look at that $25 chip as it might appear slightly different than what you’ve seen in the past.Īn icon of the casino, the chip is an essential part of gaming and has been since its introduction in the late 19th century.