678 B
678 B
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