from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Sesterce \Ses"terce\, n. [L. sestertius (sc. nummus), fr.
sestertius two and a half; semis half + tertius third: cf. F.
sesterce.] (Rom. Antiq.)
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]
Note: The sestertium was equivalent to one thousand
sesterces, equal to [pounds]8 17s 1d. sterling, or
about $43 (in 1900), before the reign of Augustus.
After his reign its value was about [pounds]7 16s. 3d.
sterling. The sesterce was originally coined only in
silver, but later both in silver and brass.
[1913 Webster]