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AR Denarius (Rome, 86 BC)
R/ Laureate head of Apollo r., thunderbolt below.
O/ Jupiter in prancing quadriga r., holding reins & hurling thunderbolt.
Crawford 350/A2 (456 obverse dies/507 reverse dies)
3.65g
The three moneyers for 86 BC had an unusual production as they only mentioned their names on five rare and similar issues (450A/1a-e, only 30 obverse dies and 33 reverse dies for all categories), and minted a "blank" denarius (this coin) without any inscription, but with the same pattern as their other issues, in enormous quantities (cf. die numbers above).
They doubtlessly supported the Populares, since they used the head of Apollo, the religious symbol of this faction at the time*. The life of two of them also shows clear links with the Populares.
Gaius Gargonius:
Gargonius (also spelt Gargilius or Gorgonius) was only of equestrian rank. His lower status can be explained by the political context in Rome at the time, with the Populares dominating, and probably promoting "men of the People" to strengthen their popular support against the Optimates. Gargonius' subsequent life is mostly unknown, but he is mentioned by Cicero in Brutus (180) as a rude, but talented, orator.
Marcus Verginius:
Verginius (also spelt Vergilius or Virginius) belonged to the plebeian gens Verginia. He is also mentioned by Cicero in Brutus (179), who says that he was a Tribune of the Plebs in 87 BC, during which he unsuccessfully tried to sue Sulla at the instigation of Cinna, leaving little doubt on his political background (cf. also Plutarch, Sulla 10:4). Cicero adds that he was a mediocre lawyer and the brother (in-law?) of Titus Aufidus (Praetor in 67 BC).
Ogulnius:
The gens Ogulnia was plebeian, but nothing is known on this particular member. He must be regarded as a Popularis like his colleagues.
*T. J. Luce, "Political Propaganda on Roman Republican Coins: Circa 92-82 B. C." in American Journal of Archaeology, Vol. 72, No. 1 (Jan., 1968), pp. 25-39.
Collection : Roman Republic