Are there any hotels with Year of the Dog coins this year?
As most no doubt know, the Chinese Zodiac works a little differently than the western version (which is based on the Hellinistic tradition). Chinese astrology is divided into 12 years rather than 12 periods during a single year.
This year is the Chinese Year of the Dog. It’s the 11th animal in the 12-year cycle (next is Year of the Pig, then it starts all over again with Year of the Rat in 2020).
Casinos often issue commemorative chips to celebrate this type of event. And yes, several casinos have issued Year of the Dog casino checks. You can already find a number of them (most uncirculated) on eBay.
A Harrah’s $5 Dog chip is going for $16.25. Red ($5) Dog chips from the Hard Rock are going for $7.77 to $8.95; one from Viejas Casino (near San Diego) costs $6.89. More will no doubt show up as the year goes along.
We also found a $25 Dog chip issued by the Palms.
The Four Queens, Las Vegas Hilton (now Westgate), Reno Hilton (now Grand Sierra), and the Commerce Casino (California) all issued Year of the Dog chips in 2006, so you might check with them too. And there might be more; we just didn't find them.
