SESTERCE

Etymology

Noun

sesterce (plural sesterces)

A sestertius.

Synonyms

• sestertius

Anagrams

• secretes

Source: Wiktionary

Ses"terce, n. Etym: [L. sestertius (sc. nummus), fr. sestertius two and a half; semis half + tertius third: cf. F. sesterce.] (Rom. Antiq.)

Definition: A Roman coin or denomination of money, in value the fourth part of a denarius, and originally containing two asses and a half, afterward four asses, -- equal to about two pence sterling, or four cents.

Note: The sestertium was equivalent to one thousand sesterces, equal to £8 17s 1d. sterling, or about $43, before the reign of Augustus. After his reign its value was about £7 16s. 3d. sterling. The sesterce was originally coined only in silver, but later both in silver and brass.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition