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