ASSARIUM, in antiquity, denotes a small copper coin, being a part or diminutive of the as. The word αράριον is used by Suidas indifferently with σβολος and ρηνυμα, to denote a small piece of money; in which he is followed by Cujacius, who defines αράριον by Minimus æris nummus. We find mention of the assarion in the gospel of St Matthew, chap. x. ver. 29.