---
entity_slug: degradation_of_coin
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:05:18.055968'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly identifies degradation of coin as a specific process
    involving physical wear, deliberate clipping, or official debasement that reduces
    precious metal content. It avoids circularity and captures a distinct monetary
    phenomenon with measurable effects on value.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This concept is directly grounded in Smith's text, particularly in Book
    I, Chapter 5, where he extensively discusses how coin degradation affects monetary
    stability and the real value of contracts. Smith provides historical examples
    and treats this as a fundamental monetary problem.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"Regulation" is an appropriate domain since coin degradation relates
    to monetary standards and government oversight of currency quality. However, it
    could also fit in a "Monetary Theory" domain, as it''s fundamentally about the
    mechanics of money itself.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity has moderate VSM relevance, primarily mapping to S3 (internal
    regulation) as it concerns maintaining monetary standards and quality control.
    It also touches S2 (coordination) since degraded coins create transaction difficulties
    and market instabilities.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity provides excellent explanatory power by illuminating a key
    mechanism behind monetary instability and the erosion of fixed-value contracts
    over time. It explains structural relationships between physical currency conditions
    and broader economic effects that Smith emphasizes.
---

# Evaluation: Degradation Of Coin

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly identifies degradation of coin as a specific process involving physical wear, deliberate clipping, or official debasement that reduces precious metal content. It avoids circularity and captures a distinct monetary phenomenon with measurable effects on value.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This concept is directly grounded in Smith's text, particularly in Book I, Chapter 5, where he extensively discusses how coin degradation affects monetary stability and the real value of contracts. Smith provides historical examples and treats this as a fundamental monetary problem.

## domain_placement — 4.0 / 5.0

"Regulation" is an appropriate domain since coin degradation relates to monetary standards and government oversight of currency quality. However, it could also fit in a "Monetary Theory" domain, as it's fundamentally about the mechanics of money itself.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

This entity has moderate VSM relevance, primarily mapping to S3 (internal regulation) as it concerns maintaining monetary standards and quality control. It also touches S2 (coordination) since degraded coins create transaction difficulties and market instabilities.

## explanatory_value — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity provides excellent explanatory power by illuminating a key mechanism behind monetary instability and the erosion of fixed-value contracts over time. It explains structural relationships between physical currency conditions and broader economic effects that Smith emphasizes.
