sterratus

STERRA´TUSTacitus says of the Germans (Germania, 5), pecuniam probant veterm et diu notam, serratos bigatosque. These were denarii struck under the Roman Republic; the serrati having a serrated edge, the bigati bearing the type of a biga. (Here we have quadriga.) That the Germans should prefer these coins of the Republic to those of the Empire, inferior in weight and purity, was natural; and treasures found in Germany have confirmed Tacitus's testimony. (Mommsen, Röm. Münzwesen, p. 771.)