Game of Thrones - Braavos Coin

In the Free City of Braavos, a city of trade, mystery and shadowy deals, there is a coin of influence - the Braavos coin. This isn't just any coin, but an iron coin that carries the weight of ancient history, deadly secrets and the Faceless Men's guild. Made of iron, this small coin is worth far more than its metal, it holds the lore of Braavos, the Iron Bank and the Many-Faced God.

For fans of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire the Braavos coin is a big deal especially when Arya Stark and the Faceless Men are holding it. This iron coin is a reminder of power, death and the phrase that comes with it: Valar Morghulis - "All men must die".

Braavos Coin Origins: The Free City's Iron Heritage

The Braavos coin comes from the Free City of Braavos, one of the most powerful cities in Essos, famous for its wealth, intrigue and the iron will of the Iron Bank. The coin itself is made of iron, reflecting the hard and unyielding nature of Braavos and its institutions. Iron is not just a material but a symbol of strength and resilience, traits of the Iron Bank and the Faceless Men.

Unlike the gold and silver coins found in Westeros and Essos the Braavos coin is made of iron, a clear indication of Braavos' status in the world. It's square in shape, like the Braavosi style and inscribed with High Valyrian text, to reflect its connection to the ancient traditions of the Free City. The words "The Iron Bank will have its due" are a harsh reminder of the Iron Bank's power, an institution that even kings and lords across the Seven Kingdoms tremble at.

The Iron Coin and the Faceless Men: A Coin of Death

To understand the Braavos coin you need to get into the world of the Faceless Men. These assassins, sworn to the Many-Faced God, are known for changing faces and dealing death with cold efficiency. For them the iron coin is not just currency but a symbol of their devotion to the Many-Faced God—a god of life and death.

Jaqen H'ghar, one of the Faceless Men, gives Arya Stark a Braavos coin early on in her journey, tells her that if she ever needs passage to Braavos she should give the coin to any Braavosi captain and say Valar Morghulis. This simple yet powerful gesture binds Arya to the Faceless Men, it means her name means nothing and death is the ultimate gift.

The coin itself is not just a means of passage, it's a token of trust between the Faceless Men and their chosen followers. It's said that iron coins like this one are only given to those the guild deems worthy or who have earned the right to their services. For Arya this iron coin is the path to becoming a Faceless Man, a path that leads her to the House of Black and White where she will learn the art of assassination.

The Coin’s Journey: Arya Stark and the Faceless Men

Arya's having the Braavos coin becomes a turning point in her story. After the loss of her family Arya's meeting with Jaqen H'ghar and the iron coin gives her the chance to find the Faceless Men and learn from them. She bites the iron coin as a child, not really understanding its significance, but the coin will lead her to Braavos where she will start her training at the House of Black and White.

As Arya stands before the Many-Faced God she sheds her identity and becomes no one, she learns the deadly skills of the Faceless Men. The coin represents her leaving behind her life as Arya Stark and embracing a new one under the faceless mask of a killer. The Braavos coin is Arya's link to a world where she can hurt those who hurt her, all while learning to be no one.

As Arya gets stronger in her training she learns to wield death as a weapon and a gift. The iron coin that was once just a means of passage now reminds her of the price of her journey—a journey of darkness, loss and the quiet constant presence of death.

The Iron Bank’s Influence: Power Beyond Thrones

The Iron Bank of Braavos is another powerful institution connected to the Braavos coin. Known throughout Westeros and Essos the Iron Bank is feared and respected for its wealth and power. Lord Tywin Lannister once said the Iron Bank could topple kings if it chose to, and indeed its reputation for collecting debts has made many tremble at the mention of its name.

The Braavos coin minted by the Iron Bank is a symbol of its power. Though the coin is small its meaning is big—those who have it have a lifeline to the Iron Bank's favour but they are also indebted to them. The saying "The Iron Bank will have its due" is a harsh reminder that no one can escape the bank's demands, not even the mightiest of kings or queens.

Valar Morghulis: The Coin’s Dark Words

Inscribed with the words "Valar Morghulis" meaning "All men must die" the Braavos coin has a dark message of fate. The phrase is answered with "Valar Dohaeris" meaning "All men must serve". Together these phrases represent the duality of life and death, service and sacrifice which is at the heart of the Faceless Men's philosophy.

As Arya's story unfolds these words take on more meaning. In Braavos she is taught that death is not something to be feared but welcomed. To the Faceless Men death is the ultimate truth, the great leveler. The Braavos coin with these words becomes a symbol of that acceptance, a token of power and submission to the Many-Faced God.

A Collector’s Item: The Braavos Coin

For A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones fans the Braavos coin is more than just a piece of fictional currency—it’s a tangible link to the world George R.R. Martin created. The coin is a symbol of Braavos’ power, the Faceless Men’s mystery and Arya Stark’s transformation from a lost child to a killer.

Whether you’re a collector of Game of Thrones merchandise or just a fan of the show, owning a Braavos coin is like holding a piece of the Free City itself. You can almost feel the weight of the iron in your hand, a reminder of the secrets it holds and the fate of those who carry it.

Conclusion: A Coin of Many Faces

The Braavos coin is a powerful item in the world of Westeros and Essos, representing the Faceless Men, the Iron Bank and more. Whether used to buy a life, gain passage to Braavos or as a symbol of debt this small iron coin is full of meaning and history.

With its ties to Arya Stark, Jaqen H'ghar and the Many-Faced God the Braavos coin has become one of the most iconic symbols in Game of Thrones. Its connection to life, death, power and service makes it a must have for any fan.

So when you hold the Braavos coin in your hand, remember: Valar Morghulis—"All men must die". But in Braavos it’s also a reminder that all men must serve something bigger than themselves, a coin, a god or a destiny.