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Sestertius

The sestertius was an ancient Roman coin denomination, valued at one-quarter of a silver denarius or four bronze asses, that originated as a small silver coin during the Roman Republic but evolved into a large brass or bronze piece under the Empire.^[1] Its name derives from the Latin semis tertius, meaning "half-third," reflecting its initial nominal value of two and a half asses before standardization.^[2] Minted primarily from orichalcum—a brass alloy of copper and zinc—in the imperial period, the sestertius typically measured around 30–35 mm in diameter and weighed 20–30 grams, making it suitable for intricate designs and propaganda imagery.^[3] The sestertius was first introduced circa 211 BC during the Second Punic War as part of the denarius monetary system, serving as a unit of account denoted by "IIS" or "HS" for government purposes.^[1] During the Republic, it remained a minor silver denomination issued sporadically. Augustus reorganized and standardized the currency around 23 BC, transitioning the sestertius to large brass production and establishing it as a key imperial coin, with the Rome mint producing vast quantities for everyday transactions, accounting, and as a medium of exchange across the expanding empire.^[1] In the Roman Empire, the sestertius became renowned for its size, which allowed emperors to commemorate military victories, divine associations, and architectural achievements on its obverse and reverse faces—often featuring laureate busts of rulers alongside deities or allegorical figures.^[2] For instance, under Nero (AD 64–68), sestertii depicted symbolic structures like the Temple of Janus Quirinus to signify peace and imperial closure of its doors.^[3] This coin remained in circulation until the third century AD, when hyperinflation and debasement led to its gradual discontinuation in favor of reformed denominations.^[2] Today, surviving examples provide invaluable insights into Roman artistry, economy, and political messaging.^[3]

Overview

Definition and Denomination

The sestertius was a prominent denomination in the Roman monetary system, functioning as a large bronze or brass coin issued during the Roman Republic and Empire, with a nominal value equivalent to two-and-a-half asses or one-quarter of a denarius.^[4] This valuation positioned it as a mid-level currency for everyday transactions and accounting, bridging smaller bronze units and higher silver ones. The name "sestertius" originates from the Latin "semis tertius" (or "semis tertivus"), literally meaning "two-and-a-half," directly referencing its initial worth in asses, the basic bronze unit of account.^[4]^[5] Historically, the sestertius underwent revaluation to adapt to monetary reforms; by the mid-2nd century BC, following the denarius's adjustment to 16 asses, it became worth four asses while retaining its status as one-quarter denarius.^[6] This meant four sestertii equaled one denarius, and consequently, 100 sestertii corresponded to one aureus, the principal gold coin valued at 25 denarii.^[4] In relation to other denominations, the sestertius superseded the dupondius (two asses) as a higher bronze value and complemented the quadrans (one-quarter as) at the lower end, forming a hierarchical system that facilitated commerce across the empire.^[5] The sestertius entered circulation around 211 BC as part of Republican coinage reforms during the Second Punic War, initially struck in silver before transitioning to orichalcum (a brass alloy) under Augustus in the late 1st century BC.^[6] Its primary period of use spanned from this introduction through the Imperial era, serving as a standard unit until the mid-3rd century AD, when production declined sharply under emperors such as Gallienus (253–268 AD) and ceased with lighter issues under Aurelian (270–275 AD) amid broader economic instability.^[6]^[5]

Physical Characteristics

The sestertius, a prominent denomination in Roman coinage, was primarily composed of orichalcum, a brass alloy consisting of approximately 80% copper and 20% zinc, during its early imperial issues under Augustus around 18 BCE.^[6] This golden-hued material gave the coins a distinctive luster when freshly struck, distinguishing them from purer bronze types. Over time, particularly from the late second century CE onward, the alloy was debased with reduced zinc content (down to about 5%) and additions of lead or tin, eventually shifting to standard bronze by the reign of Commodus around 180 CE to address economic pressures.^[7]^[5] Imperial sestertii typically measured 30–35 mm in diameter and weighed 25–28 grams, with a thickness of about 4 mm, allowing for a large flan that accommodated intricate engravings and detailed iconography.^[8]^[6] These dimensions made the sestertius one of the largest common Roman coins, facilitating visibility and handling in transactions. Due to natural oxidation over centuries, surviving examples often exhibit a patina of green (verdigris) or brown hues, resulting from the corrosion of the copper content in exposure to air and moisture; this patina not only preserves the surface but also enhances their aesthetic appeal in modern collections.^[9] Variations in physical form occurred across periods, with Republican-era precursors (pre-27 BCE) featuring smaller, silver-based sestertii of around 9–11 mm diameter and under 1 gram, though bronze types in circulation were generally thicker and more robustly cast.^[6] In contrast, imperial bronze sestertii developed thinner flans for efficient striking, while edges were typically plain but occasionally irregular or serrated in earlier struck issues to prevent clipping.^[10] Later third-century examples showed further reduction in weight to about 20 grams and occasional flat or squared edges on the flan due to casting shortcuts.^[11]

Historical Development

Republican Era

The sestertius originated in 211 BCE as part of a comprehensive currency reform enacted by the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War, a period of severe economic strain caused by prolonged conflict with Carthage. This reform reduced the weight of bronze coinage from the heavy aes grave standard—previously divided into 12 unciae (ounces)—to a lighter sextantal standard, while introducing a new silver-based system to supplement and partially replace smaller bronze fractions for more efficient transactions. The sestertius, valued at 2½ asses (or one-quarter denarius), served as a key fractional silver coin alongside the denarius (10 asses) and quinarius (5 asses), facilitating payments for military supplies, tribute, and trade amid wartime needs. The influx of silver from the recent capture of Syracuse in 212 BCE provided the metal resources for this innovation.^[6] The earliest struck sestertii were small silver coins weighing approximately 1.13 grams, featuring a helmeted head of Roma facing right on the obverse with the mark of value "IIS" (for semis-tertius, or two-and-a-half) to the left, and the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux) galloping right on the reverse, often with "ROMA" in monogram below. These anonymous issues, minted at Rome, were produced only briefly from 211 to 208 BCE under the oversight of Republican magistrates, reflecting the temporary nature of the wartime measure. The design echoed that of the contemporary denarius and quinarius, emphasizing Roma's martial prowess and divine protection through the Dioscuri, patrons of cavalry. This marked a shift from the uncia-dominated bronze economy to a hybrid system where silver coins like the sestertius handled mid-value exchanges, reducing reliance on cumbersome bronze pieces.^[6]^[12] In the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE, the sestertius persisted primarily as a unit of account, revalued to 4 asses in 141 BCE following adjustments to the denarius, though physical silver issues were rare and became the responsibility of the tresviri monetales (triumvirs for minting), a board of three magistrates who supervised coin production and often signed issues to promote their families. Notable examples include the silver sestertius struck by L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi around 91 BCE, depicting Apollo on the obverse and a sacrificial horse on the reverse (weighing about 0.90 grams), and the issue of Mn. Cordius Rufus in 47 BCE, showing Venus on the obverse and Cupid on the reverse (weighing roughly 0.63 grams). These later Republican emissions, tied to political figures and civil unrest, demonstrated the denomination's adaptability but also its sporadic use.^[6]^[13] By the late Republic, amid escalating civil wars—such as those between Marius and Sulla, and later Caesar and Pompey—the sestertius experienced a decline in both size and effective purity as silver issues grew lighter and less frequent, with weights dropping below 1 gram in the final emissions around 40 BCE under Mark Antony. This reduction foreshadowed broader inflationary pressures, as economic instability led to increased counterfeiting, hoarding of good silver, and reliance on debased bronze for everyday use, setting the stage for the denomination's transformation into a larger bronze (orichalcum) coin under the early Empire.^[6]^[14]

Imperial Era

The sestertius underwent significant standardization during the reign of Augustus, beginning around 23–18 BCE, when it was reintroduced as a large orichalcum (brass) denomination weighing approximately 25–28 grams and measuring 32–38 mm in diameter.^[15]^[6] This reform aimed to restore order to Roman coinage following the chaotic Republican period, establishing the sestertius as a key bronze coin valued at four asses, minted primarily at Rome and Lugdunum (modern Lyon).^[16] Early issues under Augustus featured imperial portraits on the obverse, such as those struck circa 9–14 CE at Lugdunum, depicting the emperor's laureate head alongside reverses honoring civic or religious themes.^[17] Production of the sestertius reached its peak in the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, with high volumes and quality under emperors including Tiberius, Nero, Trajan, and Hadrian, reflecting the empire's economic prosperity and use of the coin for propaganda.^[6] Under Tiberius (14–37 CE), sestertii maintained the Augustan standards, often featuring reverses like the altar of Providentia to symbolize imperial foresight.^[18] Nero (54–68 CE) oversaw innovative issues, including a famous commemorative sestertius from 64 CE celebrating the construction of the Port of Ostia, weighing nearly 29 grams and showcasing detailed harbor scenes to highlight infrastructure achievements.^[6] Trajan (98–117 CE) and Hadrian (117–138 CE) expanded production further, with Trajan's coins commemorating Dacian victories and public works like the Forum Traiani, while Hadrian's issues honored provincial travels and buildings such as the Pantheon; these sestertii constituted up to 59% of bronze coinage in some regional assemblages.^[19] Under the Antonines, including Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius, the denomination dominated bronze output, comprising 43–63% of coins in mid-2nd-century hoards, underscoring its role in everyday imperial circulation.^[19] Debasement of the sestertius began in the early 3rd century CE, initially under Severus Alexander (222–235 CE), when its weight fell to about 20 grams and diameter to 25–30 mm, with zinc content reduced to around 5% and additions of lead and tin darkening the alloy.^[6]^[20] Although Vespasian (69–79 CE) struck standard orichalcum sestertii without notable silver additions, later Flavian and Severan trends toward alloy dilution contributed to broader bronze instability.^[21] By the mid-3rd century, during the Crisis of the Third Century (235–284 CE), production declined sharply amid economic turmoil, with further bronze dilution exacerbating hyperinflation as the empire's coinage system faltered.^[20] Regular minting of the traditional sestertius phased out in the late 3rd century CE, culminating in Diocletian's reforms around 294 CE, which introduced the follis—a larger, silvered bronze coin weighing about 10 grams—as a replacement for debased denominations like the antoninianus and reduced sestertii (circa 5.5 grams).^[22]^[23] This shift marked the end of the sestertius as a standard imperial coin, though sporadic lighter issues appeared under Aurelian (270–275 CE) before its ultimate obsolescence.^[6]

Production and Design

Minting Techniques

The production of sestertii relied primarily on hammered die striking, a technique employed throughout the Roman period from the Republic to the late Empire. In this method, a preheated metal flan—a disk-shaped blank—was placed between two engraved dies, with the lower die fixed in an anvil and the upper die struck repeatedly with a heavy hammer to transfer the designs onto both sides of the flan. The flans were typically heated to make the metal malleable, allowing for better flow into the die details and reducing the force needed per strike, often requiring just two blows to achieve the impression. This hand-operated process, while labor-intensive, enabled mint workers to produce coins at rates of up to 100 per hour in smaller operations or faster in organized teams.^[24]^[15] The alloy used for sestertii, known as orichalcum, was a brass composed mainly of copper with 5–30% zinc, along with trace elements like lead, tin, and iron. This material was prepared through the cementation process, where copper was heated in closed crucibles with zinc-rich calamine (zinc carbonate or oxide) under reducing conditions at temperatures exceeding 900°C, allowing zinc vapors to diffuse into the molten copper and form the alloy without direct smelting of metallic zinc, which was unavailable in pure form. In the late Empire, production increasingly incorporated recycled metal from older coins and artifacts, contributing to a gradual decline in zinc content from around 20% in the early 1st century AD to about 5% by the 4th century, as zinc volatilized during remelting.^[15]^[25] Dies for sestertii were crafted from iron or bronze, engraved by skilled artisans using hardened iron tools such as chisels, burins, and punches to incise the negative images of portraits, symbols, and inscriptions into the metal surfaces. The obverse die, often bearing the emperor's portrait, was mounted in the anvil, while the reverse die was held above the flan; however, the manual nature of the process frequently led to alignment challenges, resulting in off-center strikes or incomplete designs as the flan could shift during hammering.^[26]^[24] Quality control in sestertius minting varied across eras and mints, with early Imperial issues under Augustus and his successors often exhibiting high-relief strikes due to fresh dies and careful craftsmanship, reflecting stringent oversight in major centers like Rome. As production scaled up in the late Empire to meet economic demands, worn dies became more common, leading to flatter, less detailed impressions and greater inconsistencies in strike quality, though some provincial mints maintained higher standards through regular die replacement. These variations underscore the reliance on skilled labor rather than mechanized uniformity, with no evidence of advanced presses like screw mechanisms until post-Roman developments.^[27]^[25]

Iconography and Inscriptions

The obverse designs of sestertii evolved significantly from the Republican to the Imperial era, reflecting shifts in Roman political authority and symbolism. During the Republic, the obverse often featured deities such as Victory (Victoria) or Liberty (Libertas), depicted with attributes like a wreath or the pileus cap to emphasize ideals of triumph and freedom, as seen on coins issued by moneyers like those under Sulla, where Victory held a palm branch symbolizing military success.^[28] In the Imperial period, the obverse shifted to personalized portraits of the emperor, typically laureate and facing right, accompanied by titles such as "IMP CAESAR" to assert divine and autocratic rule; for instance, Nero's sestertii showed his radiate head with globe, underscoring his solar and global dominion.^[29] Reverse motifs on sestertii served as a primary vehicle for commemorative and ideological messaging, showcasing scenes of imperial achievements, architectural marvels, and divine favor. Common designs included triumphs, such as Nero's depiction of a triumphal arch in 65 CE to celebrate Armenian victories, or deities like Pax (Peace) seated with an olive branch, promoting stability under emperors like Antoninus Pius.^[29] Architectural elements were prominent, exemplified by Trajan's sestertii from 112-117 CE featuring the Column of Trajan surmounted by his statue, symbolizing Dacian conquests and eternal legacy, while animal symbols like the eagle (aquila) represented legionary standards and Jupiter's protection.^[30] These motifs, often detailed on the large flan of the sestertius, allowed for elaborate narratives that reinforced Rome's expansion and piety. Inscriptions on sestertii were typically abbreviated in Latin, encircling the designs to convey authority and legitimacy without excessive space. Republican examples included control marks like magistrates' names or simple "ROMA," denoting state oversight, whereas Imperial coins featured expansive legends such as "S C" (Senatus Consulto, indicating Senate approval) on reverses and "P M" (Pontifex Maximus, high priest) alongside imperial titles on obverses, as in Antoninus Pius's "ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS IIII" from 139 CE.^[31] This evolution from terse Republican notations to verbose Imperial proclamations mirrored the centralization of power, with reverses often adding event-specific phrases like "ASIA" to highlight provincial benefactions. The iconography and inscriptions of sestertii played a crucial role in Roman propaganda, disseminating the emperor's virtues and policies to a broad audience through everyday currency. Designs like Nero's harbor scenes or Trajan's column not only glorified military and civic accomplishments but also fostered loyalty by associating the ruler with gods and prosperity, as reverse motifs of deities such as Victoria crowning trophies linked imperial success to divine will.^[32] This visual and textual messaging, particularly on the prominent sestertius, masked economic challenges while promoting cultural unity across the empire.^[33]

Economic and Cultural Role

As a Unit of Account

The sestertius functioned as a key unit of account in the Roman economy, especially for recording mid-value transactions, public finances, salaries, and tax assessments. Its nominal value was established through fixed ratios relative to other denominations: one sestertius equaled four asses, one-quarter of a denarius, and one one-hundredth of an aureus.^[34]^[1] This standardization facilitated accounting in government ledgers and legal documents, where large sums were often expressed in sestertii for clarity in budgeting imperial expenditures and provincial tributes.^[35] For instance, under Augustus, a legionary's annual stipendium was set at 900 sestertii, equivalent to 225 denarii, disbursed in three installments to support military payrolls.^[36] Such denomination in sestertii allowed for precise allocation of resources without over-reliance on smaller bronze units or scarcer silver coins. The sestertius's role in accounting was reinforced by its widespread notation as "HS" (from hēmis and sestertius), a monogram appearing in inscriptions, contracts, and literary works to denote monetary values.^[35] Pliny the Elder, in his Natural History, frequently employed this abbreviation when discussing economic matters, such as the costs of commodities and imperial revenues, underscoring the sestertius's centrality in literate economic discourse.^[37] This notation system enabled efficient record-keeping for taxes, where provincial assessments and customs duties were typically calculated and reported in sestertii to align with the empire's bronze-based fiscal framework.^[35] The sestertius maintained a pegged value through the early imperial period, providing economic stability until debasements began in the 1st century AD. Nero's currency reform of 64 AD marked an early intervention, as part of broader efforts to increase coin supply amid fiscal pressures.^[20] These changes gradually eroded the coin's intrinsic value, though its nominal role as a unit of account persisted in official reckonings. In comparative terms, during the early Empire, a sestertius roughly equated to one-quarter of a day's wage for an unskilled laborer, whose typical earnings ranged from three to four sestertii daily, highlighting its practical scale in labor economics.^[38]

Usage in Daily Life and Trade

The sestertius served as a primary medium for everyday purchases in Roman society, facilitating transactions for essentials such as food and clothing. For instance, a chicken could cost between 1 and 2 sestertii, while a pig might fetch 20 sestertii, reflecting its role in provisioning households and markets.^[39] A new tunic typically retailed for around 15 sestertii, and even tolls on roads or bridges were often paid in this denomination, underscoring its practicality for small-scale commerce. Archaeological evidence, including coin hoards discovered in market areas like those in Roman Syria and Palestine, further indicates the sestertius's widespread circulation and accumulation during routine trade activities.^[40] In broader trade networks, the sestertius played a key role in Mediterranean commerce and provincial economies, often exported to facilitate exchanges across the empire. It was minted in regional centers such as Lugdunum (modern Lyon) in Gaul during the early imperial period to support local and interprovincial trade, with examples circulating in Britain as evidenced by hoards and site finds from military and civilian contexts.^[6] In Egypt, following Roman annexation, the sestertius integrated into the provincial monetary system alongside local issues, aiding in the exchange of goods like grain and papyrus in ports such as Alexandria.^[41] Its brass composition and quarter-denarius value made it suitable for bulk transactions in these distant economies, helping standardize payments in diverse regions. Culturally, the sestertius symbolized social mobility and status, particularly as a benchmark for the equestrian order, which required a minimum census of 400,000 sestertii to qualify members for this elite class of knights and administrators. It frequently appeared in wills as a bequest, with Pliny the Younger donating approximately 400,000 sestertii from an inheritance to his hometown of Comum for public works, illustrating its use in philanthropic and familial transfers.^[42] Such gifts highlighted the coin's association with wealth accumulation and civic duty among the Roman elite. By the third century AD, the sestertius's utility waned amid rampant inflation and monetary reforms, as emperors debased the currency by reducing its size and alloy quality, shifting production toward smaller denominations and billon coins like the antoninianus.^[6] Under Gallienus (253–268 AD), regular issuance ceased entirely, with the sestertius largely supplanted by these lighter, silver-washed alternatives that circulated more easily despite their diminished value.^[43] This transition reflected broader economic pressures, leading to hoarding of earlier bronze issues and a reliance on fractional coins for daily exchanges.

Modern Numismatics

Collecting and Preservation

The interest in collecting sestertii revived during the Renaissance, as humanists like Francesco Petrarca amassed Roman coins to evoke Italy's ancient glory and inspire cultural revival.^[44] By the 19th century, sestertius collecting gained prominence through auctions of imperial sets, where complete series of emperor-issued coins attracted scholars and enthusiasts, marking the professionalization of numismatics.^[45] Modern organizations, such as the American Numismatic Association founded in 1891, have furthered this pursuit by educating collectors on ancient coins, hosting events, and promoting ethical practices in sestertius acquisition.^[46] Preservation of sestertii emphasizes minimal intervention to retain their historical integrity, with experts advocating mechanical cleaning using distilled water, soft brushes, and toothpicks to remove surface dirt without altering the natural patina.^[47] Storage in inert environments is crucial, utilizing acid-free albums, mylar holders, or sealed capsules to shield bronze alloys from humidity and atmospheric corrosion, which can lead to destructive "bronze disease."^[48] Controversies surround aggressive cleaning methods, particularly the use of acids like phosphoric or citric, which strip protective patina and accelerate metal degradation, prompting numismatists to prioritize conservation over restoration. Treatments like soaking in 3% benzotriazole solution may stabilize active corrosion but require professional oversight to avoid unintended harm.^[49] Collectors face significant challenges, including the risks of patina removal, which not only diminishes aesthetic and historical value but can expose underlying metal to further deterioration. Forgeries from the 18th century, such as those crafted by skilled counterfeiters like Carl Wilhelm Becker, mimic sestertii details convincingly, complicating authentication and flooding markets with deceptive pieces.^[50] Sourcing dilemmas pit archaeological recoveries—often from controlled excavations—against market acquisitions, where unprovenanced coins raise ethical concerns over looting and site destruction.^[51] Notable collections highlight the sestertius's enduring appeal; the British Museum holds one of the world's largest assemblages, with thousands of Roman bronze coins including rare imperial sestertii acquired through 19th-century bequests and excavations.^[52] Private sales underscore their value, as evidenced by high-profile auctions where exceptional sestertii, such as those from Nero's reign, have fetched over $100,000, drawing global bidders to preserved rarities. For instance, a Hadrian sestertius sold for $1,648,805 at auction in 2008, setting a record for Roman bronze coins.^[53]^[54]

Valuation and Authentication

The valuation of sestertii in the modern numismatic market is primarily determined by factors such as rarity, condition, and historical significance. Rarity is often tied to the issuing emperor or specific type; for instance, sestertii of Galba (r. 68–69 CE), whose short reign produced limited output, command a significant premium due to their scarcity, with only a handful of examples known for certain varieties.^[55]^[56] Condition grading plays a crucial role, with professional services assigning scales like Extremely Fine (EF) or About Uncirculated (AU) based on wear, strike quality, and surface preservation; higher grades can multiply value by factors of 5–10 compared to lower ones like Very Fine (VF). Auction records illustrate this: a rare Trajan (r. 98–117 CE) sestertius from circa 103–111 CE, featuring the emperor's bust and a military theme, sold for $4,250 at Classical Numismatic Group (CNG) Triton XV in 2012—a historical example reflecting demand for well-preserved imperial bronzes at that time.^[57] More recent sales, such as a Gordian III sestertius in very fine condition fetching around $150–$200 as of 2024, show continued market stability for common types.^[58] Market trends since the early 2000s have seen sestertius prices rise, driven by expanded access through online platforms and auction houses. Provenance—documented ownership history, ideally pre-1970—enhances value by mitigating legal risks and appealing to institutional buyers, often adding 20–50% to the price for verified pieces.^[59]^[60] The proliferation of online auctions via sites like eBay and CNG has democratized the market, increasing visibility and competition, which has boosted average prices for common sestertii (e.g., those of Vespasian or Trajan in VF condition) to around $50–$200 as of 2024, while rarities from short-reign emperors or unique iconography can exceed $10,000. This post-2000 surge aligns with broader growth in ancient coin collecting, fueled by digital marketplaces and economic factors favoring tangible assets. Recent advancements, such as AI-assisted die matching and enhanced X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, have improved authentication accuracy since 2020.^[61] Authentication of sestertii relies on a combination of traditional and scientific methods to verify genuineness and attribution. Die matching compares the coin's obverse and reverse dies against standard catalogs like the Roman Imperial Coinage (RIC) series, which documents thousands of varieties and helps identify known or altered pieces. Metallurgical analysis, including X-ray fluorescence, examines the orichalcum alloy (typically 75–80% copper, 20–25% zinc) for composition consistency with ancient Roman standards, flagging modern forgeries with anachronistic alloys. Expert certification by services such as NGC or PCGS involves encapsulation in slabs with attributed details and grade, providing third-party assurance; for example, NGC Ancients has certified over a million ancient coins, using magnification to detect casting seams or tooling marks. Detecting casts—common fakes produced by pouring metal into molds—often involves weight discrepancies, as genuine sestertii average 25–28 grams, while fakes are frequently lighter due to porous metal or shortcuts.^[61]^[62]^[63] Legal aspects of sestertius trade are governed by international agreements, particularly the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, which restricts movement of cultural artifacts without provenance. In the United States, the Cultural Property Implementation Act (CPIA) enforces this for designated countries, requiring import documentation for coins exported after 1970; however, common Roman imperial coins like sestertii are often exempt unless from restricted sites, though unprovenanced pieces risk seizure. Export from source countries like Italy imposes similar controls, with fines for undocumented sales, emphasizing the need for certificates of authenticity in global transactions. Recent updates to EU regulations as of 2023 have tightened export controls on unprovenanced antiquities.^[64]^[65]^[66]^[63]

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8 Chronological Variations in Roman Alloys - Internet Archaeology
He argued that the brass coins of late 1st century AD date onwards were made from recycled brass. The volatility of zinc meant that the zinc content of the ...
[26]
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=134256.0
[27]
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/dougsmith/grade2.html
[28]
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/catalog/roman-and-greek-coins.asp?vpar=1479
[29]
Sestertius depicting the head of Nero and a triumphal arch (65 CE)
Apr 2, 2018 · This sestertius, minted at Lugdunum (modern day Lyon, France) in 65 CE, depicts on the obverse the head of Nero, with a globe (barely visible) at the tip of ...
[30]
coin | British Museum
Description: Copper alloy coin. (whole): Bust of Trajan, laureate, right, with drapery on left shoulder. (obverse): Trajan's Column, surmounted by a statue ...
[31]
[PDF] Sestertius depicting the head of Antoninus Pius and the ...
This sestertius, minted at the beginning of the rule of Antoninus Pius, in 139 CE, depicts on the obverse the head of the emperor, and on the reverse the ...
[32]
https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/opar-2022-0308/html
[33]
https://brill.com/downloadpdf/journals/evqu/61/4/article-p301_3.pdf
[34]
[PDF] Roman Currency: New Thoughts and Problems - Richard Reece
May 27, 2006 · In both cases sestertii were struck at four to the denarius, asses at four to the sestertius, and the half (semis) and quarter (quadrans) of the ...<|separator|>
[35]
Roman Money and Numerical Practice - Persée
(3) T he sestertius was based on physical coin, but functioned as a unit of account ; these written amounts did not concern physical sestertii. ↵. 3. (4) CIL IV ...
[36]
Accounting the Salaries of Roman Soldiers - Ancient Origins
Jul 27, 2024 · Under Augustus, the stipendium of a legionary was set at 225 denarii, paid in three installments per year, up until the reign of Domitian.
[37]
Art and Markets in the Greco-Roman World
Mar 21, 2024 · Footnote Pliny and a few other historians have provided valuable information on ancient ... sestertius (HS) was the main unit of account.
[38]
[PDF] Defining Roman Art - Christopher H. Hallett - eScholarship
To give an idea of what these prices mean, a daily wage for an unskilled laborer in this period is about three to four sesterces. I mention these prices ...
[39]
How did the Roman economy function? - Roemer.NRW
Back then, an unskilled labourer would have had to work most of a day for a meal containing meat. On the other hand, today's wages for physical labour are much ...Missing: labor | Show results with:labor
[40]
[PDF] Coinage in Roman Syria: 64 BC - AD 253. - UCL Discovery
... hoards, and countermarks, highlights features of the patterns of circulation of these coinages in Syria, as well as 'foreign' issues circulating in the ...
[41]
A Brief Introduction To Egyptian Coins And Currency Peter Watson
Following the Roman conquest in 30 BC, Egypt became a Roman province. ... A common Roman bronze sestertius ... Roman coins standardized currency throughout Egypt ...<|separator|>
[42]
Pliny the Younger and the first appeal for matching funds, c. 100 AD.
Sep 20, 2010 · Pliny, knowing Saturninus intentions, donated a third of the inheritance, about 400,000 sestertii, directly to Como, while he kept 700,000 ...Missing: wills | Show results with:wills
[43]
[PDF] Debasement and the decline of Rome
28 the reasons for the debasement can still be debated. (e.g. Lo Cascio 1981) although the majority view is that the alloying was a short-sighted policy.<|control11|><|separator|>
[44]
[PDF] The Scher Collection of Commemorative Medals | Sample Pages
The proto-humanist Francesco Petrarca (1304–1374) had been collecting Roman coins as evidence of an Italy whose ancient greatness he wished to revive. His ...
[45]
[PDF] Art Of Collecting Coins
George Ill's and the Bank of England collections. With the nineteendi century coin collecting really came into its own, and books on almost all branches ...
[46]
Coin Collecting FAQs - American Numismatic Association
The ANA was established in 1891. It is the hobby's oldest and largest money collector organization in the world, and continually serves the needs of its members ...
[47]
The Complete Guide to Uncleaned Ancient Coins
Uncleaned coins have a patina, not dirt. Start by washing with water and a toothbrush. Bronze is cleaned mechanically, silver chemically. Use toothpicks, ...
[48]
Coin collection storage: essential tips for preservation
Apr 24, 2025 · Always keep coins in acid-free materials such as mylar holders, archival-quality albums, or inert plastic capsules that won't release harmful chemicals as they ...
[49]
The Restoration and Conservation of Ancient Copper Coins
To prevent further corrosion caused by bronze disease, a coin could be soaked in 3% benzotriazole in ethanol for 24 hours with the temperature slightly ...<|separator|>
[50]
CoinWeek Ancient Coin Series: Modern Fakes of Ancient Coins
Jun 18, 2020 · The most famous ancient coin forger of the early modern era was Karl Wilhelm Becker (1772-1830), who produced high-quality, hand-struck struck ...
[51]
Looting, collecting, and the destruction of archaeological resources
Aug 10, 2025 · The destruction of archaeological resources by looters is an international crisis and threatens to obliterate the world's cultural heritage.
[52]
Collection search | British Museum
Place · Europe (324,788 objects) · Asia (157,629 objects) · British Isles (146,505 objects) · England (136,962 objects) · Ancient Greece and Rome (135,938 objects)
[53]
The most expensive 12 Caesars! - Roman Empire - Numis Forums
Jul 7, 2025 · I don't really understand why the Nero is worth $55,000. Yes, fine style portrait, but my own Nero sestertius has an equally nice portrait at 1/ ...
[54]
Roman Empire, Galba 68-69, Sestertius, Rome, very rare - OneBid
Jun 15, 2025 · Weight 22,00 g, 35 mm. Very rare Galba sesterce, with the legend SVLPICIVS, only 1 (!) coin known from coinarchives, sold in October 2014.
[55]
Galba Æ Sestertius | The Coin Cabinet Auctions
... Rarity: Very Rare; 6 recorded examples on CoinArchives, 5 recorded examples on OCRE.Die Axis: 7h.Diameter: 37 mm.Weight: 26.80 g.PLEASE NOTE: A 20.00 ...
[56]
Feature Auction Triton XV. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius ... - CNG
Triton XV, Lot: 1524. Estimate $3000. Sold for $4250. This amount does not include the buyer's fee. Trajan. AD 98-117. Æ Sestertius (33mm, 27.83 g
[57]
Provenance and Price: Autoregulation of the Antiquities Market?
Aug 6, 2025 · It is becoming common to read that antiquities without a provenance stretching back to before the 1970 adoption by UNESCO of the Convention ...Missing: sestertius | Show results with:sestertius
[58]
[PDF] Tracking and Disrupting the Illicit Antiquities Trade with Open ...
In. Chapter Five, we examine the sales side of the market by gathering and analyzing data on physical dealers, auction houses, and several online auction ...
[59]
What is the value of 1 Roman Sestertius in today's United States ...
May 25, 2015 · A denarius was worth 10 asses (singular: as), small bronze or copper coins. There was also the more rarely used golden aureus, which was worth ...How many different types of Roman coins existed during the history ...Which is worth more, Denarius or Sestertius? - QuoraMore results from www.quora.comMissing: ratios | Show results with:ratios
[60]
Roman Coin Value Chart 2025 (Up To ... - Coleccionistas de Monedas
Apr 3, 2024 · RIC – The Reference Catalogue. The reference catalog used by almost all auction houses and merchants to identify Roman coins is the “Roman ...Missing: authentication | Show results with:authentication
[61]
Ancient Coin Authentication and Grading Services - NGC
The NGC Ancients branch of NGC devoted to grading ancient coins. We identify and grade most coins struck in the Western world from the origins of coinage.Grading · Coins We Grade · David L. Vagi · AttributionsMissing: PCGS RIC
[62]
Numismatic analysis incorporates legal frameworks to trace illegally ...
Oct 30, 2025 · The study examines the legal frameworks surrounding cultural heritage crime and provides insights into the recent flourishing of the illicit ...
[63]
Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit
Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. Date and place of adoption. 14 ...Missing: sestertius | Show results with:sestertius
[64]
Ancient Coin Import Restrictions - American Numismatic Association
Such items can be seized only if they were exported from that UNESCO State Party after the date of restriction. Customs agencies ignore these limitations on ...
[65]
https://www.money.org/consumer-awareness-ancient-coin-import-restrictions/