Sestertius Coins
Sestertius coins were small silver coins during the Roman Republic. Augustus' 23 BC currency reforms re-valued the sestertius at 4 asses or 2 depondii. Like the depondius, the new sestertius was also cast from bronze alloy, called orichalcum. Both the metal and its size permitted clear detail and a deep strike still treasured by coin collectors.
The sestertius became subject to the same double-valuing as the dupondius (and later the antonianus)under Nero. Coins showing the radiate crown of military victory, rather than the laurel wreath of peaceful accomplishment, were counted as double value, the double sestertius becoming worth 8 asses instead of four. Widespread availability of the sestertius may suggest why the sestertius was widely used as an accounting unit; although a transaction might have been conducted in denarii, it would be recorded in sestertii. (All weights and absolute values remain the province of numismatic scholars and economic historians. For good discussions of Roman coinage, see www.economicexpert.com; search by denomination.)
 Octavian And Divus Julius Caesar Æ Sestertius Roman Coin  US $17.37
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 Otacilia Severa Æ Sestertius Roman Coin US $17.37
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 Antoninus Pius Æ Sestertius Roman Coin US $17.37
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 66 Alexander Severus Sestertius Roman Coin US $71.12
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 30 Faustina Sestertius Roman Coin US $47.41
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 Ancient Roman Marcus Aurelius Sestertius Captives Coin US $99.00
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