Front: “ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ” (Molon Labe: come and take them)
Back: “Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum” (if you want peace, prepare for war)
At a glance
- Theme: Spartan readiness: standing your ground
- Good for: law enforcement and military service, hard negotiations, holding the line
- Gift for: soldiers, Marines, police officers, history lovers, readers of Thermopylae
- Finishes: Antique Silver (brass alloy), Antique Bronze (brass alloy)
- Size: 39 mm, about 1 oz, die struck in the USA
The meaning
In 480 BC a small Greek force led by King Leonidas of Sparta held the pass at Thermopylae against the Persian army of Xerxes. According to Plutarch, when Xerxes demanded that they hand over their weapons, Leonidas answered in two words: molon labe. Come and take them.
The back is a Roman line adapted from the writer Vegetius: si vis pacem, para bellum, if you want peace, prepare for war. Together they describe a calm kind of strength. You don't look for the fight. You are ready for it.
The design
The front shows a Spartan warrior in a crested helmet, shield up and spear in hand, with arrows falling around him and ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ in Greek above. The back centers on a round shield ringed by spears, swords and axes, with the Latin motto around it.
On good days and hard days
- On good days, it keeps you prepared and steady, ready for whatever comes next.
- On hard days, when you are pushed to give up what you believe in, it reminds you to hold the line, like the Spartans at Thermopylae: come and take them.
Carry it
Customers mention its rugged, rustic finish, which suits the design. One bought four identical coins for themselves and close friends, a small shared code between them.
Give it
It is a natural gift for a soldier, a police officer, a range buddy or a history lover who has read about Thermopylae. It also works for a team that is about to defend something it built.
Specs
- Diameter: 1.54 in (39 mm), about the size of a silver dollar
- Thickness: 2.7 mm
- Weight: about 1 oz (28 g)
- Material: brass alloy (Antique Silver, Antique Bronze)
- Made: die struck, minted in the USA
- Each coin is antiqued with a special patina so it looks like it has already been in circulation. The patina never settles the same way twice, so no two coins look exactly alike. Small variations in color and shading are normal, and they are what make your coin one of a kind.
Questions
What does molon labe mean?
“Come and take them.” King Leonidas's reply at Thermopylae when the Persians demanded the Spartans lay down their arms.
What does si vis pacem, para bellum mean?
“If you want peace, prepare for war.” It is adapted from the Roman writer Vegetius.
Is ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ written in Greek on the coin?
Yes, the front carries it in Greek capitals, the way it is usually shown.
Other coins you might like
- Veni Vidi Vici Coin: Caesar's three word victory
- Warrior Mindset Coin: be a warrior, not a worrier
- Patriotic Coin: for those who serve
- Improvise Adapt Overcome Coin: change the plan, never the goal
Care: keep it dry and wipe it with a soft cloth. No polishing needed; the aged finish is part of the look.
Original design by EDC Reminder Coins, protected by copyright. We don't take custom orders.