<!-- generated: provider=openrouter model=arcee-ai/trinity-large-preview:free date=2026-02-19 source=book-1-chapter-04 -->

# Assaying

## Definition

The process of testing and determining the purity or fineness of metals, particularly precious metals, which is necessary to verify the quality of unstamped metal currency but is difficult, tedious, and prone to uncertainty without proper equipment.

## Source Chapter

Book I, Chapter 4

## Context

Smith identifies assaying as one of the two major inconveniences of using unstamped metals for exchange, noting that without proper testing procedures, merchants risk receiving adulterated metals that only appear to be of the desired quality.

## Economic Domain

Exchange

---
