Ever since Emperor Constantine I () introduced it in 309, the Byzantine Empire's main coinage had been the high-quality solidus or nomisma, which had remained standard in weight (4.55 grams) and gold content (24 carats) through the centuries. Emperor Nikephoros II Phokas (), however, introduced a new coin, the [nomisma] tetarteron ("quarter [coin]") which was 2 carats (i.e.
Ever since Emperor Constantine I () introduced it in 309, the Byzantine Empire's main coinage had been the high-quality solidus or nomisma, which had remained standard in weight (4.55 grams) and gold content (24 carats) throughout centuries. Emperor Nikephoros II Phokas (), however, introduced a new coin, the [nomisma] tetarteron ("quarter [coin]") which was 2 carats (i.e.