Quick answer
Store paper gaming money flat in a dedicated compartment or box, sorted by denomination, to keep it crisp and easy to grab during play.
Why paper money needs special care
Unlike plastic tokens or coins, paper gaming money can crease, tear, or stick together if stored carelessly. The cardstock used for sets like Paper Gaming Money – Famous Women and Paper Gaming Money – Presidents of the US is sturdy but still benefits from a storage method that keeps each bill flat and separated by denomination.
Storing your money in a way that matches your play style—whether you grab a handful at once or need exact change quickly—makes setup faster and keeps the game moving.
Choosing a storage container
A small box, a deck box, or a compartmentalized tray works well. Avoid stuffing bills into a bag or pocket where they can bend. If you use a box, line it with a soft cloth or keep the bills in a snug stack so they don't slide around.
For games that use multiple denominations, a box with dividers or separate slots lets you sort by value. This is especially helpful when you have both $1 and $50 bills from the same set.
How to store paper gaming money
- Sort by denomination: Separate the bills into piles by value (e.g., all $1s together, all $5s together). This makes it easy to grab the right amount without shuffling through the whole stack. Mixing denominations is the most common mistake—it slows down play and can cause bills to get lost.
- Stack flat and face up: Place each denomination stack in the same orientation (all bills facing the same way). This keeps the stack neat and prevents corners from folding. If you stack bills haphazardly, they can slide or crease. A uniform stack stays compact.
- Store in a compartment or box: Put each sorted stack into its own slot in a box or tray. If you don't have dividers, place the stacks side by side in a shallow box so they don't overlap. Storing all denominations together in one pile is the biggest risk—it makes retrieving specific values frustrating and can bend the bills.
- Keep the container closed when not in use: A lid or cover prevents dust, spills, and accidental damage. If your container has a lid, use it. If not, store the box in a drawer or shelf where it won't be knocked over. Open storage invites spills and pets—always close the container after a game.
- Check for wear before each game: Quickly flip through the stacks to spot any torn or heavily creased bills. Replace or repair them to keep the game fair and the money usable. Ignoring damaged bills can lead to confusion over value or accidental loss.
Gaming money options
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Paper Gaming Money - Famous Women: Includes 60 bills: $1 Sojourner Truth (20), $5 Harriet Tubman (10), $10 Clara Barton (10), $20 Susan B. Anthony (10), $50 Elizabeth Cady Stanton (10). Printed on cardstock. The five denominations make sorting by value essential, and the cardstock is durable enough for repeated use when stored flat.
Paper Gaming Money - Famous Women
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Paper Gaming Money - Presidents of the US: Includes 60 bills: $1 George Washington (20), $5 Abraham Lincoln (10), $10 Alexander Hamilton (10), $20 Andrew Jackson (10), $50 Ulysses S. Grant (10). Printed on cardstock. Like the Famous Women set, the Presidents set has 20 low-value bills and 10 of each higher value, so a storage method that keeps the $1s separate from the $50s saves time during the game.
Paper Gaming Money - Presidents of the US
