sesterce

[ ses-turs ]

noun

1. a silver coin of ancient Rome, the quarter of a denarius, equal to 2½ asses: introduced in the 3rd century b.c.

sesterce

/ sɛˈstɜːtɪəs; ˈsɛstɛːs /

noun

1. a silver or, later, bronze coin of ancient Rome worth a quarter of a denarius

Word History and Origins

Origin of sesterce¹

1590–1600; < Latin sēstertius, equivalent to sēs- half-unit ( sesqui- ) + tertius third (i.e., 2 units and half a 3rd one equal 2½ asses)

Word History and Origins

Origin of sesterce¹

C16: from Latin sēstertius a coin worth two and a half asses, from sēmis half + tertius a third

Example Sentences

"It must only be for a small stake—a single sesterce," said the infatuated youth, quaffing a goblet of wine.

From Project Gutenberg

And the fourth part of it, consisting of two asses and half of a third, they called "sesterce."

From Project Gutenberg

A sesterce is four and one-half cents so that the possible price of a peach in Rome 1900 years ago was $1.35.

From Project Gutenberg

"You will never get a sesterce of Cornelia's dowry," he declared.

From Project Gutenberg

Once let the mob overtake them, and the lives of all three were not worth a sesterce.

From Project Gutenberg