620 B
620 B
Degradation of Coin
Definition
The process by which coins lose value through wear, clipping, or official reduction in their precious metal content, which Smith identifies as a major source of monetary instability.
Source Chapter
Book I, Chapter 5
Context
Smith discusses how degradation of coin affects the real value of money rents and contracts, using historical examples to show how this has reduced the value of fixed payments over time.
Economic Domain
Regulation