At first glance, John Wick may appear to be a straightforward action series, but it quickly sets itself apart with a rich neo-noir aesthetic and a compelling central character.
The success of the franchise hinges on the audience’s connection to John Wick, who is more than just a skilled assassin—he’s a character audiences root for. Beyond this, the films meticulously construct an intricate narrative framework, justifying every detail of their unique setting.
John Wick, also known as Baba Yaga, is a former assassin from a secretive network called the Underworld—a hidden society of criminals and hired killers. While the premise could have stopped at this simple setup, the films dive deeper, developing a world full of unique details.
Among these elements is the intriguing use of Gold Coins, a specialized currency exclusive to the Underworld. These coins play a central role, exchanged for various services throughout the series.
The Underworld’s Currency and Its Unique System
The introduction of Gold Coins happens early in the first movie when Iosef Tarasov steals John Wick’s car and kills his beloved dog, Daisy.
The dog was a gift from John’s late wife, Helen, intended to help him cope with her loss. This heart-wrenching act sets John on a path of revenge.
Iosef’s father, Viggo Tarasov—John’s former employer and head of the Tarasov Mob—recognizes John’s unmatched abilities and futilely tries to protect his son by sending hit squads and placing a $2 million bounty on him.
The Gold Coins are first seen when John accesses a hidden stash in his home, containing weapons and these distinctive coins. After defeating a group of intruders, John uses the coins to arrange for body disposal, using the code phrase “dinner reservation.”
This cryptic terminology highlights the covert operations of the Underworld and its reliance on the Gold Coins as a universal form of payment.
The Versatility of Gold Coins in the Underworld
Throughout the franchise, Gold Coins are shown to facilitate various transactions, from booking rooms at the Continental Hotel to purchasing drinks or securing medical assistance. These coins serve as a universally accepted currency, valued for their secrecy and untraceability.
Unlike digital credit, which could be easily tracked, these coins ensure safe and discreet dealings within this shadowy world. Cash also appears in the films, but it complements the Gold Coins rather than replacing them.
Speculations About the Value of Gold Coins
The exact worth of a single Gold Coin remains ambiguous. The films avoid assigning a specific monetary value, leading fans to speculate about their potential exchange rate.
For example, John uses 12 coins to clean up bodies, one coin for a luxurious hotel stay, and even a single coin for a drink—all vastly different services. This inconsistency suggests the coins are less about monetary value and more about representing favors within the Underworld.
Interpreting the Coin System as Favors
Rather than focusing on financial equivalence, the coins operate on a favor-based system. Each coin signifies one unit of service—whether it’s body disposal, a night at the Continental, or a drink.
This approach simplifies the narrative, allowing the coins to serve as a functional plot device without complicating the story with financial details.
Insights from Director Chad Stahelski
In a recent interview celebrating the franchise’s 10th anniversary, director Chad Stahelski explained that each coin is made of real gold, valued at approximately $1,200.
However, Stahelski emphasized that the coins’ purpose extends beyond their material worth. Instead, they symbolize the intricate rules and systems of the Underworld, contributing to the richly detailed universe that defines the John Wick series.
Chad Stahelski goes into the symbolic value of gold coins in the Underworld’s intricate economy. Rather than focusing on their material worth, which roughly equates to $1,200 in gold, the coins serve a far greater purpose.
These tokens act as membership credentials, signifying one’s affiliation with the elite Continental network. Critics have questioned their practical value, asking whether they are worth a drink or something similar.
However, the true essence lies not in the tangible value but in their representation of being part of an exclusive circle where monetary worth becomes irrelevant. The coins symbolize membership, allegiance, and a system that transcends conventional currency.
Each coin holds a unique purpose, capable of covering various forms of transactions. It might secure a drink, provide weapons or ammunition, pay for a haircut, or even procure a tailored suit.
Most importantly, it could represent the cost of a life, as demonstrated in the first installment of the series, where 13 coins corresponded to 13 lives.
This understated system functions as an unwritten rule, linking each coin to acts of service or entry. The tokens embody a broader concept of trust and loyalty, serving as IOUs or tokens of faith, membership, and services rendered.