---
entity_slug: coin_degradation_measurement
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T04:43:54.844272'
overall_score: 4.4
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition is precise and specific, providing exact quantitative
    measures (gold >2%, silver >8% below standard weight) and clearly identifying
    the causes of degradation. It captures a distinct measurable phenomenon rather
    than a vague concept.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text, which provides the
    specific degradation percentages for English coins before recoinage. The figures
    and context are explicitly stated in Book IV, Chapter 6.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Regulation" domain is perfectly appropriate, as coin degradation
    measurement is fundamentally about monetary regulation and the need for government
    oversight of currency standards. This fits squarely within regulatory economic
    policy.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity maps well to S3 (internal regulation/audit) as it represents
    the measurement and monitoring function necessary for maintaining monetary system
    integrity. It also connects to S2 (coordination) by providing data needed to prevent
    monetary oscillations.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity provides genuine explanatory power by quantifying the extent
    of monetary degradation and demonstrating why recoinage was necessary. It illuminates
    the mechanism by which poor monetary regulation leads to currency debasement and
    economic instability.
---

# Evaluation: Coin Degradation Measurement

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition is precise and specific, providing exact quantitative measures (gold >2%, silver >8% below standard weight) and clearly identifying the causes of degradation. It captures a distinct measurable phenomenon rather than a vague concept.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text, which provides the specific degradation percentages for English coins before recoinage. The figures and context are explicitly stated in Book IV, Chapter 6.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The "Regulation" domain is perfectly appropriate, as coin degradation measurement is fundamentally about monetary regulation and the need for government oversight of currency standards. This fits squarely within regulatory economic policy.

## vsm_relevance — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity maps well to S3 (internal regulation/audit) as it represents the measurement and monitoring function necessary for maintaining monetary system integrity. It also connects to S2 (coordination) by providing data needed to prevent monetary oscillations.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity provides genuine explanatory power by quantifying the extent of monetary degradation and demonstrating why recoinage was necessary. It illuminates the mechanism by which poor monetary regulation leads to currency debasement and economic instability.
