The ancient Roman coin sestertius was for the first time struck in 211 BCE. It represented a big bronze coin that was used during the later Roman republic and through the early Roman Empire. The sestertius was about the size of a US Half Dollar[¹⁰²²], but twice of its thickness, weighting about 25 grams, or about an ounce.

The big surface of the coin allowed the engraved to illustrate detailed and lifelike portraits on the obverse and the reverse depicted images that represented complex themes.

It is worth mentioning that the Roman coin was a unit of accounting within the economy of Rome. Romans could make their payments in silver denarii or in gold; however, the account would still be performed in sestertii.

Technically one sestertius was valued at ¼^th of a denarius, which was about the size of a US Dime, weighting about 3 grams. One imperial aureus (ancient Roman gold coin, weighting 3 grams) was valued at 100 sestertii.

Throughout the period of republic's evolution and successful transformation into the empire, the silver denarius was debased. During the reign of Nero (54-68 AD) the debasement of the silver denarius was only 2 percent, but when Marcus Aurelius came to rule the empire the denarius included only 70 percent silver. This led to the over-valuation of the sestertius. The majority of people looked forward to make their payment particularly in sestertii. In addition, the same people hoped to pay off their debts in silver, which at that time was debased. Bronze sestertii was in circulation for up to 200 years.

As a result, the biggest part of today's sestertii is worn flat, having a US Good grading[¹⁰¹⁵]. Each of them is available for $10 to $25. At an auction a US Very Fine graded sestertii might account $1000. Such coins can bring much more in case they are in high grade. "Juda Capta" issue represents one of the most famous sestertii. These coins commemorate the defeat of Jews by Titus, who was a general for Emperor Vespasian, Titus' father. The images on the coin depict a Jew and a Jewess mourning under a palm tree. In Fine grading[¹⁰¹⁸] such coin can bring $500. What is interesting is that the silver denarius, which has the same theme and found in the same condition, can be sold for $200.

Although there are some notable coins, collectors are less passionate about the sestertius. The majority of collectors sought ancient Roman coins struck in silver. About a decade ago the market for sestertii saw an enlargement. More examples of this coin were available and thus collectors became more interested in them. This led to the increase in piece of the sestertii. A lot of attention was paid to the images as well as the deep strike of bronze Roman coin.