Waterdeep Coins: Props for Your D&D Game

Quick answer

Waterdeep coins work best as physical treasure props for D&D sessions where you hand out loot, track party wealth, or set a fantasy mood. Use them sparingly for key rewards to keep them special.

How to use Waterdeep coins at your D&D table

1. 1. Identify your coin types: Sort the 15 coins into Total, Moon, and Dragon piles. Note that Total and Moon coins are larger and heavier, matching D&D book dimensions, while Dragon coins are smaller. This lets you assign real-world value—for example, use Total coins for gold, Moon for silver, Dragon for copper. Label a small card or note with your value mapping so players remember which coin is which.
2. 2. Introduce coins for key moments only: Hand out physical coins when a player loots a boss chest, receives a faction payment, or discovers a hidden cache. For routine encounters, keep treasure on paper. This prevents the coins from losing their novelty and keeps the game moving. If you hand out coins every session, players may expect them for every kill. Reserve them for memorable rewards.
3. 3. Use coins to track party wealth visually: Place the coins in a central bowl or on a felt mat. As the party spends or gains treasure, physically add or remove coins. This gives everyone a shared visual of the party's funds and reduces bookkeeping arguments. Keep a separate container for coins that are 'in the bank' (stored in town) to avoid mixing liquid cash with saved wealth.
4. 4. Pass coins during roleplay negotiations: When a player bribes a guard, pays for information, or haggles with a merchant, slide a coin across the table. The physical exchange reinforces the in-world transaction and can add tension to the scene. Set a house rule: once a coin leaves your hand, the deal is sealed. This prevents players from 'undoing' payments.
5. 5. Store coins safely after the session: Collect all coins and place them in a soft pouch, felt bag, or small box. Avoid leaving them loose in a backpack or drawer where they can scratch other items or get lost. The set does not include storage, so plan ahead. If you play at a game store or public space, count the coins before and after the session to ensure none are missing.

Featured product

• Waterdeep Coins for Dungeons & Dragons: Set of 15 cast metal coins from the Sword Coast port of Waterdeep, including Total, Moon, and old Dragon coins. You get three distinct coin types that match D&D book sizing (Total and Moon) and offer a different hand feel (Dragon), making them easy to differentiate at the table.