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# Coined Money

## Definition

Metal currency that has been officially stamped with marks indicating its weight and fineness, allowing it to be exchanged by tale (count) rather than by weight, eliminating the inconvenience of individual weighing and assaying.

## Source Chapter

Book I, Chapter 4

## Context

Smith explains how the invention of coins with official stamps covering both sides and sometimes edges solves the practical problems of using unstamped metal bars, enabling efficient exchange through standardized units that require no further verification.

## Economic Domain

Exchange

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