Quick answer
Store Kickstarter exclusive coins in a dry, airtight container with a soft liner, handle them by the edges, and keep them away from humid rooms, direct sunlight, and abrasive surfaces. For regular play, a dedicated coin capsule or a felt-lined game box insert prevents scratches and slows tarnishing without hiding the coin away.
Why Kickstarter exclusive coins need different care
Kickstarter exclusive coins are often produced in limited runs and included only with the crowdfunded edition of a game. That makes them harder to replace than a standard token. The Batman Who Laughs coin, for example, was originally included with the Kickstarter edition of DC Deck-Building Game: Crisis Expansion Pack 5 — Death Metal, so losing or damaging it means hunting the secondary market.
DC Deck-Building Game: Crisis Expansion Pack 5 — Death Metal
Many of these coins are metallic and may develop a natural patina or tarnish over time when exposed to moisture, skin oils, or certain fabrics. They are also easy to scratch when tossed loose into a game box with dice, minis, or metal tokens. The goal is not to seal them away forever but to reduce the three main risks: moisture, abrasion, and acidic storage materials.
Materials to avoid when storing metal game coins
Not every small container is safe. PVC plastic, some rubber bands, and certain adhesives can release gases that accelerate corrosion on metal surfaces. Paper envelopes and cardboard boxes may seem harmless, but if they are acidic or stored in a damp area, they can hold moisture against the coin.
For short-term storage during game night, a clean cloth pouch or a hard plastic case with a soft foam insert is fine. For long-term storage, look for containers labeled archival, inert, or safe for coins. If a product does not state its material, test it with a less valuable token first.
Step-by-step coin care routine
- 1. Set up a clean, dry workspace: Work on a soft, non-abrasive surface like a microfiber cloth or a clean felt mat. Avoid kitchen counters near sinks or open drinks. Common mistake: handling coins right after eating or applying lotion, which leaves oils that can etch the metal over time. Checkpoint: your hands should be clean and dry before you touch any exclusive coin.
- 2. Handle coins by the edges: Pick up the coin by its rim rather than the face. Skin oils and salts are the most common cause of fingerprints that later turn into dark spots. If you need to examine the design closely, hold it under good light instead of rubbing the surface. Checkpoint: no new fingerprints on the face after handling.
- 3. Choose the right storage container: For a single coin like the Batman Who Laughs coin, a 0.75-inch coin capsule with a foam ring or a small felt pouch works well. For several coins, use a compartment box with soft dividers. Avoid loose zip-top bags for long-term storage because the plastic can crease and press against the coin. Checkpoint: the coin does not rattle or slide when you gently shake the closed container.
- 4. Control the storage environment: Keep coins in a cool, dry place away from bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and windows. Humidity is the main driver of tarnish. If you live in a humid climate, add a small silica gel packet to the storage box and replace it every few months. Checkpoint: no condensation or dampness inside the container.
- 5. Clean only when necessary, and gently: Most exclusive coins should not be polished. If a coin has light surface grime, use a dry microfiber cloth and very light pressure. Do not use vinegar, baking soda, toothpaste, or commercial metal polish on a collectible coin unless you accept that it may remove the original finish. When in doubt, leave the patina alone. Checkpoint: if cleaning would change the color or shine, stop.
- 6. Display with protection in mind: If you want to show off a coin, use a display stand or frame that holds it by the edge or in a capsule. Keep displays out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Rotate coins out of display periodically so they rest in their storage container. Checkpoint: the coin is not resting on a hard surface or pressed under glass.
Product facts that affect storage and play
- DC Deck-Building Game: The Batman Who Laughs Coin (Kickstarter Exclusive): This 0.75” metallic coin for DC Deck-Building Game: Crisis Expansion Pack 5 — Death Metal was originally included with the Kickstarter edition of the game. Its small size makes it easy to lose in a crowded game box, so a dedicated capsule or pouch helps keep it with the rest of the expansion.
- DC Deck-Building Game: Injustice — 2 Dual-Layered Health Tiles + 4 Wooden Markers (Kickstarter Exclusive): The Injustice set includes 2 dual-layered Health Track tiles (6” x 4.25” each) and wooden markers, not metal coins. Wooden markers need different care than metal coins — keep them dry and avoid stacking heavy items on the tiles to prevent warping.
