Roman Sestertius Coin Value Guide

The Roman Sestertius is a cornerstone of ancient numismatics, transitioning from a small silver piece to this substantial brass format during the Imperial era. Minted between 37-41 AD, these coins served as vital tools for imperial propaganda, featuring detailed portraits of emperors and complex allegorical scenes on the reverse.

What Is Roman Sestertius Coin Worth?

The typical price range for Roman Sestertius Coin is $50 - $70 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Legibility of the inscriptions and the level of detail remaining in the emperor's facial features.
• The presence of a natural green or brown patina, which can enhance value compared to cleaned or pitted surfaces.
• Historical significance of the specific imperial figure or allegorical event depicted on the reverse.
• Overall strike centering and the absence of edge cracks or significant corrosion.

How to Identify Roman Sestertius Coin?

• Verify the material is orichalcum (a golden-toned brass alloy) rather than pure copper or silver.
• Check for a large diameter and significant weight, as the Imperial sestertius was the largest base-metal coin in circulation.
• Look for the 'SC' (Senatus Consulto) mark on the reverse, indicating the coin was struck under the authority of the Senate.
• Examine the profile for high-relief imperial portraiture characteristic of the 37-41 AD period.

History of Roman Sestertius Coin

The sestertius was a large bronze or brass coin in the Roman Republic and Empire. Under the Roman Republic, it was a small silver coin, but under the Roman Empire, it was issued as a large brass coin. Sestertii were primarily minted from the reign of Augustus onwards and were widely used for everyday transactions, as well as for commemorative purposes, often featuring elaborate imagery and inscriptions that celebrated the emperor or significant events.