12 Caesars: Sestertius Virtual Tray

Sestertius means “two and a half” and was originally worth 2½ asses = ¼ denarius during the period when a denarius was worth 10 asses. When the as was devalued to 1/16 denarius, the sestertius remained worth ¼ denarius, and thus it became worth four asses; the name did not change, however. Older literature will frequently use the singular and plural sesterce and sesterces, resp., rather than the Latin form sestertius and sestertii.

During the Roman Republic period, the sestertius was actually a small silver coin, and wasn’t widely minted or circulated. However, when Augustus became emperor, the sestertius became a large, bright brass (orichalcum) coin, as well as being the denomination in which transactions were reckoned (even if they were paid in other denominations). Augustus set the value of the sestertius at 1/100th of an aureus.



Neither Julius Caesar nor Otho minted Imperial sestertii, so a full set of 12 Caesars Imperial sestertii would consist of 10 coins. However, I lack an example of Tiberius, while I have two of Caligula, so my virtual tray contains 10 coins but only nine Caesars.

The large size of this coin allows for the best portraiture and most detailed reverses among Roman coins; consequently, sestertii don’t have to be mint state to display fine style and good detail. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite in this tray; of particular note are Galba’s outstanding portrait, Spes’ excellent sheer robe on the Claudius reverse, and the generally artistic reverses on the two Caligulas and Vespasian Judaea Capta.

Let’s see those (complete or incomplete) sets of 12 Caesars sestertii!

Next: Denarii Virtual Tray

 

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That's fricken outstanding.

My twelve Caesars sestertii set is just below :











Yes, as you noticed, I need just twelve to have the complete set, as my 12's set is only composed of denarii and middle bronzes

All I can contribute with of any interest when it comes to sestertii is my 3rd century sestertii set. Here it is



Q

 

Holy smokes those are some nice coins!

 

Very nice IoM. A hard set to complete.

 

Well done! I'm envious!

 

Beautiful! I don't have any to share.

 

haha! you crack me up

 

You're the man Ides. That Caligula three sisters sestertius is one of the greatest coins of all time!

 

This is a spectacular presentation @IdesOfMarch01 congratulations!
I did at one time -- I believe about fifty years ago -- own a Caligula three sisters Sestertius. It was nowhere near as nice as the one depicted here, being quite a bit worn and pitted. Still, the portrait of Caligula and the figures of the three sisters were easily distinguishable, as were the legends, and it had a great greenish patina. I do not remember who I purchased the coin from, but I sold it to an old-time collector friend of mine (followed by regret and seller remorse) named Edmund Burke who wanted it badly. Edmund died several years ago and I do not know what became of the coin. I also cannot locate photos of it in my archives. Ah well, one of those sad regrets one experiences in a coin collecting lifetime!

 

A beautiful display and collection! Have you sought out which Tiberius type you're after?

 

For a lifetime portrait sestertius of Tiberius, there is only one (as far as I can determine) -- the Altar at Lugdunum reverse. RIC (incorrectly?) lists this under Augustus as type 248 et al. This coin has been about nonexistent in the past five years of auctions, at least in the condition I'm seeking.

 

A relative of mine had a 3 sisters sestertius that I thought was the best thing ever (it partly inspired me to collect ancients). It turned out to be a cast fake, however. And now I see the one in the OP is the best thing ever!

Only one of my sestertii is from the 12. And I see I need to get at least one more to even out the rows...

 

Breathtaking Ides, just breathtaking.

 

Absolutely stunning.

 

This is like the virtual tray that makes other virtual trays slink away in shame. Truly eye-popping stuff!

 

Constraining yourself to portrait sestertii makes sense but does introduce another level of difficulty. Best of luck tracking down a suitable example!

 

I managed to buy one of those today . But it is clearly not in the condition you are seeking. Not even close. Not even miles away.

 

Wow Ides!! Better than many a Museum I am guessing!! True beauties!! The Nero is my favorite.

@ Q: That is a great 3rd century sestertius set!!! I am envious!

 

Ides - what a beautiful tray of coins!!