sesterce

ancient coin

Also known as: sestertius

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The sesterce was an ancient Roman coin. Originally, it was equal to two and a half asses, a unit of Roman currency. Later, its value was adjusted, and it became equal to four asses. A sesterce was also equivalent to one-quarter of a denarius, which was a silver coin. A larger unit of value, the sestertium, was equal to 1,000 sesterces. The production of bronze coins, including the as, was discontinued for a period before being resumed during the time of Julius Caesar.123

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aureus
(In 89 bc, the sestertius, equal to one-quarter of a denarius, replaced the bronze ass as a unit of account.) In Constantine’s reform of ad 312, the aureus was replaced by the solidus as the basic monetary unit.
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(In 89 bc, the sestertius, equal to one-quarter of a denarius, replaced the bronze ass as a unit of account.) In Constantine’s reform of ad 312, the aureus was replaced by the solidus as the basic monetary unit.
Read More

coin
Introduction of the denarius
…became rare; and the silver sesterce (now equal to four asses) virtually disappeared. After about 80 bc the striking of bronze was discontinued until the time of Caesar.
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…became rare; and the silver sesterce (now equal to four asses) virtually disappeared. After about 80 bc the striking of bronze was discontinued until the time of Caesar.
Read More