← Explore on the interactive map

Byzantine Hyperpyron Gold Coin

Type Object Region Byzantine Empire Time 1092–1300

The hyperpyron was a high-purity gold coin introduced by Alexios I in the 1092 currency reform to replace the discredited old nomisma debased with si…

Timeline

  1. 1081–1091Constantinople · Byzantine EmpireAfter Manzikert, finances were strained and the gold content of the old nomisma kept falling; the empire urgently needed a new coinage to restore monetary credibility and support military and diplomatic spending.
  2. 1092Constantinople · Byzantine EmpireAlexios I promulgated a new coinage, issuing high-purity hyperpyra alongside adjustments to silver and copper coins, unifying the measurement of taxes and military pay and replacing the severely debased old nomisma.
  3. c. 1100–1200Byzantine Empire · Byzantine EmpireThe hyperpyron circulated widely in Aegean and eastern Mediterranean trade, becoming the benchmark for measuring taxes, tribute gifts, and mercenary pay, until it again faced debasement pressure in the thirteenth century.

Sources