Word Study
sesterce
CIDE DICTIONARY
sesterce, n. [L. sestertius (sc. nummus), fr. sestertius two and a half; semis half + tertius third: cf. F. sesterce.].
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. [1913 Webster]
" 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."
[1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
sesterce, n. (also sestertius) (pl. sesterces or sestertii) an ancient Roman coin and monetary unit equal to one quarter of a denarius.
Etymology
L sestertius (nummus coin) = 21/2 f. semis half + tertius third
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