What do the John Wick coins say? An in-depth look at the symbolism and meaning behind the iconic gold coins

As a long-time fan of the John Wick franchise, I‘ve always been fascinated by the intricate and mysterious world of the Continental assassins. One of the most iconic elements of these films is the use of the gold coins, which seem to operate as an underground currency between hitmen.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll take a closer dive into the history, meaning, and value of these coins that represent so much more than just money. You may be surprised at just how complex and thought-out the assassin economy created by the Continental truly is!

A Brief History – Where did the coins come from?

The elaborate network of assassins portrayed in the John Wick universe didn‘t spring up overnight. According to director Chad Stahelski, the idea for the coins came from the ancient concept of Charon‘s obol, a coin placed in the mouth of the deceased to pay the ferryman Charon for passage into Hades.

This historical inspiration transitioned into the gold coins embodying the trust and debt owed between assassins in the criminal underworld of John Wick. Stahelski wanted a physical representation of the promises and favors swapped between hitmen. The Continental acts as the gatekeeper, issuing these coins to be traded and honored.

So in a sense, the coins symbolically allow assassins to "pay" their way into continuing their services, with the Continental as the gatekeeper. This adds layers of meaning and a code that elevates these criminals beyond just guns for hire.

What‘s Actually Written on the Coins?

Let‘s break down the actual details on both sides of the standard gold coin seen throughout the franchise:

Front:

• "Ens Causa Sui" – Latin meaning "Existing because of oneself"
• "MMI" – Roman numerals for 2001, the year the coins were introduced

Back:

• Image of a person with a cross-emblazoned shield

The Latin phrases connect to the self-contained nature of the underground assassin network ruled by its own social economy. The dates stamped on the coins add an air of establishment and legacy – this system has been thriving for decades.

Estimated Monetary Value of the Coins

Speaking of value, let‘s crunch some numbers on what these coins may be worth as physical gold objects, beyond their conceptual value as "markers" within the movies:

• Diameter: 39mm
• Thickness: 3mm
• Weight: 1 troy ounce
• Purity: 24k gold

Given these measurements, each coin would contain about 31 grams of pure 24k gold. With 24k gold currently valued at around $70 per gram, that puts the raw gold value of each Continental coin at approximately $2,170.

Of course, this doesn‘t factor in the craftsmanship and iconic significance driving up desirability. Various replica coin auctions have had closing bids between $5,000 to $10,000. So in reality, a genuine movie prop coin could fetch much more from diehard John Wick fans!

The Complex Currency: What the Coins Represent

Strictly speaking in dollars and cents, one may scoff at these coins being exchanged for multi-million dollar services, like the $7 million bounty order in John Wick: Chapter 2.

But the fundamental truth of the John Wick universe is that the coins are NOT a monetary currency. Rather, they represent the untold value of promises, reputation, and human life that fuels the economy of this underground network.

To truly comprehend the weight these coins carry, one must dive into their deeper meaning:

• Trust – Exchanging coins implies an honor code between assassins. These markers are not given lightly, but once one accepts, they are duty-bound. This builds an infrastructure of reliability.

• Access – The coins allow the bearer to utilize the full services of the Continental‘s resources and contacts. They open doors within the closed mercenary society.

• Prestige – The number of coins in one‘s possession signifies their stature and favors accumulated. John Wick‘s cache speaks to his legendary reputation.

• Redemption – Returning a coin fulfills a blood oath of payment owed. The propensity to honor these debts separates assassins from common criminals.

So in essence, the elaborate coins operate much like poker chips in a casino. They hold no inherent value until exchanged in the context of their unique environment. All parties involved ascribe meaning and importance to them.

An Evolving Economy: Colors, Symbols, and Codes

As the John Wick trilogy progressed, more colors and variations of the coins emerged, indicating a deeper system of codes and unspoken rules:

• Gold – The standard coin first introduced in John Wick 1

• Silver – Seen in John Wick 2, implying a lesser value or "non-negotiable" favor

• Black and Gold – Used by the Adjudicator in Parabellum to signify coins carrying the authority of the High Table

• Center Red Stain – Seen in John‘s blood oath pledge, meaning a directly binding promise

This expanding spectrum of coins displays an infrastructure growing more diverse and complex with time. It reminds me of visualizing a thriving nation developing more detailed layers of government and currency.

We can infer that gold remains the primary standard, with silver serving needs beneath that level. The introduction of the Adjudicator‘s black and gold coins in the third film showed the High Table tightening control by issuing their own specialized markers.

And the blood-stained tokens reveal how personal vendettas and history between individual assassins continues playing a role. Their world is evolving, but still built on intimate vows and grudges, not just bureaucracy.

Why Do the Coins Matter to John Wick?

To fully grasp why John holds these coins with such reverence, I think it‘s important to note the core Drivers and motivations of the character:

• Strict moral code of honor and duty
• Seeks order and meaning through rules
• History of impossible love and loss of family

With these pillars in mind, the coins represent:

• John‘s reputation and promise as a man of his word (honor)

• His allegiance to the orderly underworld system (meaning)

• His mourning of lost loved ones (family)

John is a man who needs structure and purpose. The coins gave him that after he lost everything else. No wonder the stealing of his marker shook him to the core; it was the ultimate violation of all he still held dear.

Final Thoughts on the John Wick Coins

I hope this breakdown helped establish a better understanding of how vital the gold coins are as the lifeblood of John Wick‘s underworld. More than just cool props, they help ground the films in a modern world, yet still shrouded by ancient codes of conduct.

Even now during my latest rewatch of the trilogy, I find myself gaining more insight into the surprising depth of lore, meaning, and emotion carried by each engraved coin. It just goes to show how skilled the franchise is at building immersive worlds even beyond what we see onscreen.

So fellow fans, I‘d love to hear your thoughts on the coins and what details stood out most to you! There‘s still so much more we could unpack about this discipline and economy based on violence, yet governed by honor. Let me know your favorite coin moments and interpretations in the comments!