The Sestertius: A Small but Significant Coin of Ancient Rome

A sestertius was a small bronze coin used in ancient Rome, equivalent to one-fourth of an as (the basic Roman unit of currency). It was introduced during the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD) and remained in circulation until the late 3rd century AD. The name "sestertius" comes from the Latin word "sestercium," which means "one-fourth."

The sestertius was used for small transactions, such as buying food or other everyday items. It was also used to pay soldiers and civil servants, and it was sometimes given as a reward for military service. The coin featured the image of the emperor on one side and various gods and goddesses on the other.

Over time, the value of the sestertius depreciated, and it became less valuable than the as. Eventually, the sestertius was phased out and replaced by other coins, such as the argenteus and the nummus. Despite its relatively low value, the sestertius remains an important artifact for historians studying ancient Roman currency and economy.