What do the John Wick coins say? An in-depth look
My friend, if you‘ve seen the John Wick movies, you may have wondered about those unique gold coins and what they represent. As a business data analyst and gold investor, let me provide some expert insights!
The short answer is: the coins symbolize membership, honor and favors within the assassin underworld. But there‘s much more to unpack about their design, origins and estimated worth. Let‘s explore deeper:
The Coins Represent Blood Oaths and Loyalty
In the secretive world of John Wick, the gold coins signify a binding arrangement. When one person does a great service for another, they receive a coin as a "marker" – a promise to return the favor no matter what, under penalty of death.
Exchanging these coins represents an unbreakable vow of loyalty among criminals, beyond any written contract. To reject one would be unthinkable. This creates an honor system that underpins the assassins‘ operations.
Meaningful Latin Inscriptions
On the front, the coins bear the phrase "Ens Causa Sui" meaning "Existing because of oneself." This represents the independent nature of those in the underworld who live by their own code.
The reverse features a Crusader cross and the date MMI (2001), marking when the world of John Wick first emerged. Other motifs include "Ex Unita Vires" ("Unity Makes Strength") and "Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum" ("If you want peace, prepare for war").
These Latin maxims reinforce concepts like self-sufficiency, duty, reciprocity and vigilance within the assassin network.
Design Evolution in Sequels
In John Wick Chapter 3, a large black coin appears with "Actiones Secundum Fidei" – "We act according to what we believe (ourselves to be)." This signals complete fealty to the High Table.
In Chapter 4, new octagonal coins feature images of desert nomads on camels, likely signifying the power of the Elder. The Latin phrase "Cuique Suum" translates to "To each his own," nodding to independence.
Crafted with Valuable Materials
The gold coins are about 1.5 inches in diameter and appear to contain 1 troy ounce of 24 karat gold each.
With today‘s gold prices around $1,850 per ounce, each coin could be melted down for about $1,800 in raw precious metal value.
However, their real value is symbolic, based on the weight of the obligation that each marker represents.
Estimated Coin Production
While the scale of the underworld is unclear, some fans estimate that hundreds or even thousands of coins may be in circulation, based on the number of elite assassins demanding markers and services.
This would put the total value of gold coins at $1.8 million or more by weight alone, though their criminal value is of course much higher.
How Coins Are Used in the Films
John Wick relies on his stash of gold coins to access weapons, body armor, safe rooms and more within the underground crime network.
In an early scene, he retrieves his hidden coin cache, establishes his identity at the Continental hotel, and soon makes large purchases in preparation for his rampage against his adversaries.
The more coins Wick possesses, the greater his reputation and reach. He "spends" them on specific services as needed to accomplish his missions.
So in summary, these distinctive coins encapsulate the honor, reciprocity and pragmatism within the dark yet principled underworld of John Wick. They weave an intriguing thread of mysticism and credibility through the fabric of the films.
Hope this provides helpful insights into their deeper meaning and tangible value, my friend! Let me know if you have any other numismatic questions.