Sestertius

Definition

The sestertius was a large brass or bronze coin used in ancient Rome, equivalent to a quarter of a denarius. It played a crucial role in Roman currency and trade, becoming a fundamental part of the economy and daily transactions during the Republic and Empire.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sestertius originated around the 3rd century BC and initially was a small silver coin before evolving into a larger brass or bronze coin.
2. The value of the sestertius fluctuated over time due to economic conditions, but it was generally considered a low to medium denomination coin within Roman currency.
3. Sestertii often featured the likenesses of emperors and important figures, serving not only as currency but also as a means of propaganda to promote imperial authority.
4. The term 'sestertius' comes from the Latin phrase meaning 'two and a half' (from 'semis' meaning half and 'tertius' meaning third), indicating its relation to other coins in the monetary system.
5. The use of sestertius declined in the late Empire due to inflation and debasement of currency, leading to a shift towards other forms of economic exchange.

Review Questions

• How did the sestertius contribute to the Roman economy during its peak?
  • The sestertius was integral to the Roman economy as it facilitated trade and everyday transactions among citizens. As one of the key coins in circulation, it allowed for easier commerce than bartering. The widespread use of this currency helped stabilize the economy, as people relied on it for everything from buying goods to paying taxes.
• What is the significance of the imagery found on sestertii, particularly in relation to Roman leadership and propaganda?
  • The imagery on sestertii often depicted emperors and important deities, which served as a form of propaganda to solidify the power and influence of Roman leaders. By circulating coins with their likenesses, emperors were able to reinforce their authority and remind citizens of their presence. This practice also helped spread political messages throughout the empire, making the sestertius not just a medium of exchange but a tool for political communication.
• Evaluate the impact of economic factors that led to the decline in usage of the sestertius in later Roman periods.
  • The decline in usage of the sestertius can be attributed to several economic factors including inflation, currency debasement, and shifting trade practices. As emperors began reducing the silver content in coins, trust in currency diminished. This erosion led to a reliance on barter systems or alternative forms of trade, diminishing the sestertius's role as a stable medium of exchange. Additionally, as economic challenges mounted within the empire, such as resource depletion and military expenditures, the overall monetary system faced severe strain, ultimately leading to changes that rendered traditional coins like the sestertius less practical.

Related terms

denarius: A silver coin that was the standard currency of Rome, widely used for trade and commerce.

as: An early Roman coin made of bronze, which was smaller in value than the sestertius and often used for everyday transactions.

aureus:

A gold coin that was highly valued in ancient Rome, primarily used for larger transactions and wealth storage.