Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

   Note: The sestertium was equivalent to one thousand
         sesterces, equal to [pounds]8 17s 1d. sterling, or
         about $43, 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.