How to Display Warhammer Collectible Coins and Figures

Quick answer

Display Warhammer coins and figures on a stable, dust-resistant shelf kept out of direct sunlight, with coins in capsules and figures on secure bases. Use soft, diffused light and handle everything with clean, dry hands. This setup protects paint and metal finishes while keeping your faction display readable.

Why coins and figures need different display treatment

Coins and figures fail in different ways. Coins are metal discs that show fingerprints, edge nicks, and surface oxidation quickly, so they need a barrier between the metal and the air. Figures are painted or bare plastic and resin, so they are more at risk from UV light fading pigments, dust settling into recesses, and accidental knocks that snap thin parts. A single shelf can work for both, but the coin side should be enclosed or capped, while the figure side needs stable footing and enough clearance for weapons, banners, and capes.

That difference also affects how often you clean. Coins can be checked and rotated every few months without much effort. Figures need less frequent handling but more careful dusting, because a dry cloth dragged across a painted surface can catch on sharp edges. If you keep both on one unit, put the coins on a higher or inner shelf where they are less likely to be brushed by sleeves, and leave the lower shelf for larger figures that are easier to see from a standing position.

Choosing a shelf or case that fits your space

Start by measuring the deepest item you plan to display, then add at least two inches of clearance behind it for airflow and cable routing if you use LED strips. A shallow bookcase or wall shelf keeps the display close to the wall and reduces the chance of someone walking into it. If you use a glass or acrylic case, check that the door or lid actually closes flush; a case that stays slightly open lets dust in and defeats the purpose.

For a faction coin display, a tiered acrylic stand or a felt-lined tray keeps coins upright and visible without stacking them. For figures, a flat shelf with a non-slip liner is usually better than a deep cabinet, because you can group models by faction and still reach them without moving three other pieces. If you rent or move often, choose a freestanding shelf you can anchor to the wall rather than a built-in unit.

Lighting and location: the two biggest long-term risks

Direct sunlight is the fastest way to fade a painted figure and heat up a coin surface. Keep the display out of south- and west-facing windows, or use a UV-filtering film if the shelf must stay near glass. LED lighting is the safer choice because it runs cooler than halogen or incandescent bulbs, but even LEDs should be diffused so the light does not create hot spots on metal coins.

Place the display away from radiators, air vents, and kitchen or bathroom humidity. Metal coins do better in a stable, dry room, and figures with painted details do better when the temperature does not swing. A simple check is to touch the shelf after the heating or air conditioning has been running; if it feels warm or damp, move the display.

Handling and cleaning without causing damage

Wash and dry your hands before touching coins or figures, and avoid lotions or oils that can transfer to surfaces. Hold coins by the edge, never the face, and support figures from the base rather than a thin weapon or arm. For dust, use a soft, dry brush or a camera lens blower on figures, and a dry microfibre cloth on the shelf itself. Do not use household glass cleaner on painted figures or on coins with a patina finish.

If a coin is already in a capsule, leave it there and clean the capsule with a damp cloth only. For figures, a monthly dust check is usually enough in a closed case, while open shelves may need attention every two to three weeks. If you notice a sticky or cloudy residue on a coin, stop handling it and store it in a dry capsule rather than trying to polish it, because abrasive cleaning can remove more than the problem.

Step-by-step display setup

1. Clear and measure the space: Remove everything from the shelf, wipe it dry, and measure the depth and height of your tallest figure plus any base or flight stand. Add two inches of rear clearance if you plan to run LED strips. Checkpoint: if the tallest figure touches the shelf above, move it to a lower shelf before you continue.
2. Sort coins and figures into groups: Separate faction coins from loose figures and decide which pieces are display-only versus handling pieces. Put coins in capsules or a felt tray, and keep figures with fragile parts toward the back where they are less likely to be bumped. Common mistake: grouping everything by size instead of by fragility, which puts thin weapons at the front edge.
3. Add a non-slip base layer: Cut a shelf liner or felt sheet to fit the shelf. This stops figures from sliding when you open a case and gives coins a softer surface if a capsule is set down without a tray. Checkpoint: press a test figure gently sideways; if it slides, the liner is too smooth.
4. Position the display away from light and heat: Move the shelf out of direct sun and away from radiators, vents, and humid rooms. If you use LED strips, aim them at the wall or ceiling rather than directly at coin faces. Common mistake: placing the display near a window for visibility, which speeds up fading and metal tarnish.
5. Set coins and figures in their final spots: Place coins upright or slightly angled so the face is readable, and set figures on their bases with weapons pointing inward. Leave a finger-width gap between pieces so you can lift one without touching another. Checkpoint: step back three feet; if you cannot tell which faction a coin belongs to, rotate it slightly.
6. Label and document the layout: Take a photo of the finished shelf and note which pieces are in capsules or on stands. Keep the photo with your storage notes so you can rebuild the display after cleaning or moving. Common mistake: skipping the photo, then guessing where a small coin or accessory belongs later.
7. Schedule a light cleaning routine: Dust figures with a soft dry brush and wipe the shelf with a dry microfibre cloth every two to four weeks. Check coin capsules for condensation or clouding at the same time. Checkpoint: if dust returns within a week, the room is too open or the case door is not sealing.

Official merch that fits a display setup

• Warhammer 40,000: Flesh Tearers Graffiti Insignia Hoodie: Official Warhammer 40,000: Flesh Tearers Graffiti Insignia Hoodie, 80% ringspun cotton and 20% polyester, 280gsm, available in Small to 5XL. A soft, midweight layer is useful when you are moving shelves or handling figures in a cooler room, and the official print keeps the faction theme without needing extra display pieces.
• Premium Salamanders 'Sons of Vulkan' T Shirt: Premium Salamanders 'Sons of Vulkan' T Shirt in 100% pure organic cotton with a crew neck, available in Black, Red, and Olive Green from Small to 5XL. The premium fit runs slightly different, so ordering one size bigger is recommended. If you wear a shirt while dusting or rearranging a display, the organic cotton and colour options let you match a faction shelf without wearing a heavy layer indoors.