C. Gargonius, M. Vergilius, Ogulnius

Reign
Roman Empire (86 – 86)
Description

C. Gargonius, M. Vergilius, and Ogulnius – appear on a Roman denarius minted in 86 BC, dating from the time of the Roman Republic. These individuals may have served as tribunes (tribunes of the people), and their names on the coin indicate that they had the right to mint coins in that year. C. Gargonius – Little historical information survives, but based on his name, he was probably a member of a Roman noble family who served as tribune of the people in 86 BC. M. Vergilius – Not to be confused with the famous poet Publius Vergilius Maro. This Vergilius was probably a member of another family of the same name who also held the office of tribune. Ogulnius – The name belongs to an ancient Roman gens (tribe). Several of the Ogulnii held offices during the Republic. The coin bearing their names: BC It was minted in Rome in 86 BC. A silver denarius, weighing about 4 grams. The names of the tribunes responsible for minting the coin were often inscribed on the reverse, which was a kind of official approval. BC 86 was a turbulent period in Roman history: the city was under the rule of Lucius Cornelius Cinna and Gaius Marius. Civil wars were raging, and the role of the tribunes was particularly important in the midst of the struggles for political power.

Minting information

C. Gargonius, M. Vergilius, Ogulnius were three Roman tribunes who started minting coins in Rome in 86, during the Sulla dictatorship. The purpose of the coinage was to legitimize their power and win the support of the common people. The face of the three tribunes can be seen on the obverse of the coins, and the building of the Roman People's Assembly on the reverse. Regarding the material of the coins, they were made of silver and their weight ranged from 3.8 to 4.2 grams. The coinage was short-lived because the three tribunes were driven out of Rome by Sulla's soldiers. However, the coins are important historical documents that bear witness to the crisis of the Roman Republic. The coins are rare and valuable, so they are in high demand among collectors. A few more details about the coins: On the obverse of the coins, the portraits of the three tribunes from left to right are Gargonius, Vergilius, and then Ogulnius. On the back of the coins, a soldier with a horn can be seen in front of the building of the Roman People's Assembly. The inscriptions on the coins are as follows: Obverse: C. GARGONIUS M. VERGILIUS OGVLNIVS TRIBUNIReverse: ROME The minting place of the coins is unknown.