The basis of the monetary system was that of the Roman Empire (denarii, solidi, librae).
Around 1200, Sancho I also introduced the gold morabitino (from the Muslim maravedi), worth 15 soldos.
A century later, in the reign of King Denis, the silver tornês was introduced, worth 5+1⁄2 soldos.
With a value of 70 soldos, this was to become the unit of account by the beginning of the reign of João I's successor (King Duarte I) in 1433.
Note that in modern Portuguese, the word "dinheiro" means "money".