noun
sestertius
ses-TUR-tee-us
Sestertius (noun) means a large bronze coin of ancient Rome, worth two and a half asses or a quarter of a denarius. Example: “The museum displays a sestertius from the Roman Empire.”
noun
1
historical A large bronze coin of ancient Rome, worth two and a half asses or a quarter of a denarius.
"The museum displays a sestertius from the Roman Empire."
"A sestertius was worth a quarter of a denarius."
"Collectors of ancient coins often hope to find a well-preserved sestertius."
How to use sestertius
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA Roman coin worth two and a half asses.
When to use it
It is a technical term used in numismatics and ancient history.
Memory tip
Use the plural sestertii, and remember that sesterce is another name for the same coin.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
Roman sestertius
bronze sestertius
silver sestertius
sestertius coin
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The museum displays a _____ from the Roman Empire.
Etymology
The word comes from Latin sestertius, meaning two and a half. It was built from semis, meaning half, and tertius, meaning third, because the coin was worth two asses plus half of a third.
Synonyms
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sesterce
Rhymes for sestertius
See all rhymes for sestertius →Frequently asked questions
What was a sestertius?
A sestertius was a Roman coin, usually made of bronze and sometimes of silver. It was worth two and a half asses, or a quarter of a denarius.
What is the plural of sestertius?
The plural is sestertii.
What does sestertius mean in Latin?
It means two and a half. The name refers to the coin's value of two and a half asses.
What is the meaning of sestertius?
"sestertius" (noun) means a large bronze coin of ancient Rome, worth two and a half asses or a quarter of a denarius.
