# Adulteration of Coin Standard ## Definition The covert practice of mixing base metals into precious metal coins while maintaining their original weight and appearance, effectively reducing their intrinsic value while preserving their nominal value. ## Source Chapter Book V, Chapter 3 ## Context Smith describes adulteration as a fraudulent method of currency debasement, contrasting it with open augmentation and noting that it was typically accompanied by secrecy and oaths of silence among mint officials. ## Economic Domain Regulation ---