Few objects in tabletop gaming hold as much mystique as the twenty-sided die. Known simply as the d20, this polyhedral powerhouse is more than just a randomizer for hit points, saving throws, and skill checks. It is a symbol of imagination, storytelling, and the thrill of uncertainty. For many players, a collection of dice begins with a single shiny d20, and before long, it evolves into a treasured hoard worthy of a dragon’s envy.
Whether you are a veteran Dungeon Master with trays of gemstone dice or a new player choosing your very first resin set, this guide will help you navigate the exciting world of d20 dice collecting.
The Origins of the d20
The d20’s history goes far beyond Dungeons & Dragons. Polyhedral dice have been around for thousands of years, with examples dating back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. But the modern twenty-sider as we know it was popularized in the 1970s with the release of Dungeons & Dragons, when Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson introduced dice-based mechanics to their roleplaying game.
At first, dice were often repurposed educational tools, sometimes painted or inked to suit tabletop needs. Over time, companies began producing purpose-made dice for RPGs, and the d20 quickly became the face of the hobby. Today, it is not just a tool, it is a cultural icon that sits at the heart of roleplaying games, dice collections, and even jewelry and art.
Why Collect D20 Dice?
Every collector has their reasons. Some view dice as functional tools for gaming, while others see them as works of art or lucky charms. Here are a few motivations that often drive d20 collections:
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Aesthetic Appeal: D20s come in endless colors, swirls, inclusions, and finishes. For many collectors, hunting down visually striking designs is half the fun.
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Sentimental Value: A critical d20 roll at a pivotal moment in a campaign can make that die feel legendary. Players often keep “lucky dice” that have carried them through adventures.
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Craftsmanship: From hand-carved gemstone dice to precision-machined metal sets, many collectors value the artistry and skill behind unique d20s.
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Community and Culture: Dice collecting is a shared passion among tabletop fans. Trading, gifting, and showing off collections is a form of community storytelling.
Materials: The Foundation of a Collection
One of the most exciting aspects of collecting d20 dice is the variety of materials. Each offers a different tactile feel, sound, and aesthetic quality. Here are the most common types:
Resin and Acrylic
Affordable and widely available, resin and acrylic d20s form the backbone of most collections. These dice allow for incredible creativity: glitter, swirls, inclusions, neon colors, and even tiny figurines can be suspended inside.
Metal
Metal d20s carry satisfying heft, making each roll feel weighty and decisive. Collectors often love the clatter they make on the table. Brass, zinc alloys, and aluminum are common, with finishes ranging from polished chrome to black nickel plating.
Gemstone
Gemstone dice are often the crown jewels of a collection. Crafted from stones like obsidian, jade, amethyst, or quartz, these dice are strikingly beautiful. Each piece is unique thanks to natural variations in the stone. Collectors often display gemstone dice as centerpiece items.
Glass
Glass d20s are rare and delicate, but their transparency and shine make them highly desirable. Artisans sometimes create swirled glass dice or include bubbles and streaks for unique effects.
Wood
Wooden d20s highlight craftsmanship and natural warmth. Exotic woods like ebony, padauk, or maple burl are carved and polished into functional works of art. Many collectors prize wood dice for their organic character.
Liquid Core
Liquid core d20s have a mesmerizing effect, with a clear or tinted shell that holds a swirling liquid center. When rolled, glitter or pigments inside the core shift and shimmer, creating a magical appearance that feels alive. These dice are highly collectible for their visual novelty and unique rolling experience.
Hybrid and Novelty Materials
From liquid-core d20s filled with shimmering oils to dice made of bone, ceramics, or even 3D-printed plastics, the possibilities are endless. Novelty dice often become conversation pieces in a collection.
Rare and Unusual D20s
Collectors often look beyond standard sets to hunt for rare and unusual finds. These dice tell stories and add personality to any hoard.
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Oversized d20s: Perfect for dramatic rolls, these dice can be as large as a baseball.
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Mini d20s: Tiny, travel-friendly dice that fit in your pocket or can be used as pendants.
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Spindown d20s: Common in Magic: The Gathering life counters, these dice have sequential numbering, making them less random for tabletop RPGs but fun to collect.
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Numbering oddities: Some early dice had unusual numbering patterns or required players to color in their own numbers. These vintage pieces are highly collectible.
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Artisan dice: Handmade by independent crafters, often in small batches, these one-of-a-kind dice are prized by collectors looking for uniqueness.
Aesthetic Themes to Collect
Many collectors build themed sub-collections within their larger hoard. Themes can be based on color, design, or narrative inspiration. Examples include:
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Elemental sets: Dice that capture the essence of fire, water, air, or earth.
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Seasonal colors: Winter whites and blues, autumn ambers and oranges, spring pastels, or summer neons.
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Character builds: Some collectors choose dice that match their favorite characters’ color schemes or backstories.
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Fandom crossover: Dice inspired by video games, movies, or pop culture references.
These smaller themes give structure to a collection and make each acquisition feel purposeful.
The Thrill of the Hunt
For many collectors, the journey is just as exciting as the dice themselves. Here are common places to search for new additions:
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Gaming conventions: Booths at Gen Con, PAX, or smaller local cons often feature exclusive dice sets.
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Online shops: Specialty retailers like Misty Mountain Gaming offer curated selections and limited editions.
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Kickstarter campaigns: Many indie creators launch unique dice through crowdfunding, often with stretch goals for rare designs.
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Dice trading groups: Online communities and social media groups allow collectors to trade, sell, and showcase their treasures.
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Local game stores: Sometimes overlooked, these shops often carry interesting sets not found online.
Caring for Your Dice
Collectors know that dice are more than just tools. They are investments and heirlooms. Proper care keeps them in good shape:
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Storage: Use dice trays, boxes, or pouches to protect them from scratches. Gemstone and metal dice should be stored separately to avoid chipping or denting softer dice.
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Rolling surfaces: Always use padded dice trays or mats to prevent damage to both dice and tables. This is especially important for heavy metal or gemstone dice.
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Cleaning: Resin and acrylic dice can be wiped with a soft cloth. For gemstone or metal dice, use material-appropriate cleaners sparingly.
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Avoid sunlight: Extended exposure can fade resin dice or discolor inclusions.
Showcasing a Collection
Collectors love to display their dice. Some popular display methods include:
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Shadow boxes or glass cases: Great for gemstone and rare dice.
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Tiered dice trays: Allow you to show off entire sets at once.
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Rotating displays: Perfect for highlighting a “die of the day.”
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Photography and social media: Many collectors share their finds online, using creative backdrops and lighting to bring out the dice’s beauty.
The Culture of Dice Collecting
Dice collecting has become a subculture within tabletop gaming. Entire online communities are dedicated to showcasing new acquisitions, trading rare finds, and discussing dice lore. There is even a term, “dice goblin”, used lovingly to describe enthusiasts who cannot resist adding just one more set to their hoard.
Collectors often form friendships through shared hunts, trades, and dice swaps. Some even craft custom dice towers, trays, or dice bags to match the personality of their hoard.
Building Your Own Collection
If you are new to collecting, here are some steps to get started:
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Pick a starting point: Maybe a gemstone d20 you have always wanted, or a resin set in your favorite color.
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Set a budget: Dice collecting can be addictive. Knowing your limits helps you collect with purpose.
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Choose a theme: Decide whether you want to focus on materials, aesthetics, or rarity.
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Join the community: Follow online dice groups, Misty Mountain’s social channels, and Kickstarter projects.
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Curate with intent: Instead of grabbing everything, think of your collection as a gallery. Each piece should bring you joy.
The Future of D20 Collecting
As tabletop gaming continues to grow, the world of d20 dice will only expand. 3D printing has opened doors for unique artisan designs, while technology may soon introduce smart dice with digital tracking or LED effects. Despite these innovations, the heart of collecting remains the same. Dice are tangible reminders of our adventures, companions at the table, and works of art to treasure.
For collectors, the thrill is not just about the roll. It is about the story behind every die in the hoard.
Conclusion
We like to think of dice as more than just a tool–it is a gateway to creativity, a token of memory, and a piece of artistry. Collecting these dice is as much about personal expression as it is about rolling crits and fails. Whether your hoard is just beginning or already rivals that of a dragon, every dice set tells a story worth celebrating.
If you are ready to grow your collection, explore Misty Mountain Gaming’s wide selection of resin, metal, gemstone, and glass dice to find the next gem for your hoard.
FAQ: Collecting D20 Dice
What makes d20 dice collectible?
Collectors value d20 dice for their variety in materials, craftsmanship, and design. Some dice hold sentimental value from memorable rolls, while others are prized for rarity or artisan quality.
Are gemstone and metal dice safe to use during games?
Yes, but they should always be rolled on padded surfaces to prevent damage to the dice or the table. Many collectors keep gemstone or heavy metal dice as display pieces while using resin or acrylic sets for regular play.
How do I know if a d20 is balanced?
Most commercially produced dice are reasonably balanced, but imperfections can happen. To test, roll the die many times and record the results. If the numbers appear evenly distributed, it is balanced enough for gaming use.
What is the difference between a spindown d20 and a regular d20?
A spindown d20 has its numbers arranged sequentially around the die, often used as a life counter in games like Magic: The Gathering. A standard d20 has numbers distributed for randomness, making it better for tabletop RPGs.
How should I store my dice collection?
Store dice in padded trays, pouches, or display cases to avoid scratches. Separate harder materials like metal and gemstone from resin dice to prevent chipping or denting.
