Why is the Memento Mori Coin So Popular?

From Memento Mori necklaces to t-shirt designs and even tattoos, the Memento Mori phrase and its symbolism are as popular now as in ancient times. Why, though? Is there something magic about this phrase? 

This Latin phrase, meaning "remember you must die," might sound morbid to some. Yet, it encapsulates a powerful reminder of our mortality and the transient nature of life. One unique manifestation of this concept is the Memento Mori coin - a small, tangible token carrying a timeless message.

Memento Mori: the OG Skull Aesthetic 

Along with the iconic words, skulls are images frequently used alongside Memento Mori in modern designs. From artwork hundreds of years ago to skulls found on t-shirts and jewelry in modern times, the roots of this trend trace back to the widespread popularity of Memento Mori. 

While to some, skulls might be scary, they’re ultimately something that we all have and can all recognize. Seeing the image of one reminds us that life’s short and we have to make every day better than the one that came before it. 

Today, the Memento Mori mindset can be found all over the hip-hop world. From the iconic Death Row Records logo to the untimely passing of some of the biggest rising talents in the industry, like JuiceWrld and XXXTentacion, as well as legends like Mac Miller, Biggie, and Tupac, you’re given one shot. Don’t be afraid to take risks and make it count. 

The Traditional Memento Mori Coin 

In the modern day, the memento mori sentiment is often encapsulated into a small, pocket-sized coin or a piece of jewelry. On one side, you'll typically find a sobering design - a skull, perhaps, or an hourglass - symbolizing mortality. The other side carries the phrase "Memento Mori".

Each coin serves as a discreet, portable reminder of our mortality, intended to be carried daily in a pocket or on a pendant around our necks. The tactile experience of the coin, its weight, and the intricacy of the engraving, all contribute to its distinct appeal. It represents more than just a coin; it's a physical embodiment of a timeless concept and a motivator to make the most out of the time you have here. 

The Modern Memento Mori Mindset

Death isn’t something that we want to spend too much time thinking about, but the “remember you will die” phrase is a powerful motivator to live it up while you’re here. From working on your grind to get to where you want to be to spending quality time with the people that matter the most to you, looking back on a life with no regrets is one that’s well-lived. 

From deciding to drop that first track on Soundcloud or Spotify to launching a business, living life to the fullest requires taking a risk and putting yourself out there for the rest of the world to see. For example, GLD started as a small shop in a basement in Pittsburgh. We knew that if we didn’t take calculated risks to grow, no one else would do it for us. Rather than look back on life wondering what could have been if we took chances on our brand, we made it happen instead. 

There’s no “magic formula” or “right way” to apply the Memento Mori mindset to your life. Instead, it’s a motto you can use to motivate yourself to be the best version of who you are and what you want to become. Whether you’re grinding at work, spending hours on a creative project, or just want to improve yourself, it holds relevance. 

Why Rock a Memento Mori Chain? 

Phrases we live by are more powerful when you have a constant reminder with you. A t-shirt with a design on it comes and goes. Tattoos aren’t always visible. 

Rocking a Memento Mori pendant on your chain, though? That’s something real that you can take with you as a daily reminder to make your day better than the one before it. Seeing it shine on your chain in the mirror, feeling its weight against your chest - you’ll be motivated to give any situation your best effort to come out on top. 

Get a Memento Mori Pendant to Take Everywhere With You 

At GLD, we’re all about crafting unique jewelry pieces that are more than just a way to upgrade your fit. Each piece tells a story and holds meaning beyond what you see on the surface. It’s an extension of who you are and what you’re all about. 

If you share the Memento Mori mindset, we got you. From gold-plated Memento Mori coin pendants to vermeil and solid gold options, you can rock this reminder on any chain for the perfect drip to add to any fit. 

Get started today by shopping our Memento Mori pieces, or hit us up anytime for more info on our collection.