---
entity_slug: adulteration_of_coin_standard
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T00:19:36.700072'
overall_score: 4.4
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly distinguishes adulteration from other forms of
    currency debasement by specifying the covert mixing of base metals while maintaining
    weight and appearance. It precisely captures the deceptive nature that differentiates
    this practice from open devaluation methods.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This concept is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book V, Chapter
    3, where he explicitly discusses adulteration as a fraudulent currency practice
    involving secrecy and mint official complicity. The entity accurately reflects
    Smith's actual discussion rather than introducing external concepts.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Regulation" domain assignment is highly appropriate since adulteration
    represents a regulatory failure in monetary oversight and control. This practice
    directly concerns the government's role in maintaining currency integrity and
    preventing fraudulent monetary manipulation.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity maps well to S3 (internal regulation/audit) as it represents
    a breakdown in monetary control systems, and potentially to S2 (coordination)
    regarding the maintenance of currency standards. The regulatory and oversight
    aspects make it naturally relevant to VSM system functions.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity illuminates an important mechanism of currency debasement
    that differs structurally from open devaluation, helping explain how monetary
    systems can be undermined through deceptive practices. It reveals the institutional
    vulnerabilities that enable covert versus transparent currency manipulation.
---

# Evaluation: Adulteration Of Coin Standard

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly distinguishes adulteration from other forms of currency debasement by specifying the covert mixing of base metals while maintaining weight and appearance. It precisely captures the deceptive nature that differentiates this practice from open devaluation methods.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This concept is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book V, Chapter 3, where he explicitly discusses adulteration as a fraudulent currency practice involving secrecy and mint official complicity. The entity accurately reflects Smith's actual discussion rather than introducing external concepts.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The "Regulation" domain assignment is highly appropriate since adulteration represents a regulatory failure in monetary oversight and control. This practice directly concerns the government's role in maintaining currency integrity and preventing fraudulent monetary manipulation.

## vsm_relevance — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity maps well to S3 (internal regulation/audit) as it represents a breakdown in monetary control systems, and potentially to S2 (coordination) regarding the maintenance of currency standards. The regulatory and oversight aspects make it naturally relevant to VSM system functions.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity illuminates an important mechanism of currency debasement that differs structurally from open devaluation, helping explain how monetary systems can be undermined through deceptive practices. It reveals the institutional vulnerabilities that enable covert versus transparent currency manipulation.
