The author points to trust in the currency as the culprit, and I agree, at least partially. But the emperor's ceasing to accept coin to pay taxes would have dec

The author points to trust in the currency as the culprit, and I agree, at least partially. But the emperor's ceasing to accept coin to pay taxes would have decreased demand for currency substantially, and thus its value. If the emperor demands his coin to pay taxes, you either obtain his coin or answer to the emperor.