sestertium

The sestertius, often abbreviated as HS, was a Roman coin. Initially, it was a small brass coin, but by the 1st century CE, it had become the standard silver coin of the Roman Empire. The sestertius was originally valued at one-quarter of a denarius, a silver coin. This relationship meant that four sestertii equaled one denarius. Over time, the sestertius gained prominence as a unit of account and a common denomination for larger sums. It was particularly useful for everyday transactions and was widely circulated throughout the Roman world. The coin typically featured the emperor's portrait on one side and various allegorical or historical scenes on the other. The production of sestertii continued for centuries, with variations in metal content and design reflecting the economic and political conditions of different periods. Its widespread use and long history make it a significant artifact for understanding Roman economics and daily life. The term "sestertius" itself is derived from "semis tertius," meaning "half the third," referring to its original value relative to the as, another Roman coin.