---
entity_slug: non_standard_metal
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:02:45.522631'
overall_score: 2.6
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 2.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition is vague and circular, defining non-standard metals as
    "precious metals that are not the primary standard" without clearly explaining
    what distinguishes them functionally or how they operate differently from standard
    metals. It lacks specificity about their actual role or characteristics within
    monetary systems.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: While Smith does discuss different metals in monetary systems in Book
    I, Chapter 5, the specific term "non-standard metal" and this particular conceptual
    framing appears to be an interpretive overlay rather than Smith's own terminology
    or explicit categorization. The concept may be implicit in his discussion but
    isn't clearly articulated as presented.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Regulation" domain placement is appropriate since this concept deals
    with how monetary systems organize and standardize different metals for exchange.
    This fits well within regulatory frameworks for currency and value measurement.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 2.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity doesn't map clearly to any specific VSM system and appears
    too abstract to have a natural VSM home. It describes a category of monetary instruments
    rather than a functional system component that would operate within the VSM framework.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 2.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity provides limited explanatory power, merely creating a category
    without illuminating the actual mechanisms of how these metals function or their
    structural relationships within monetary systems. It names a phenomenon but doesn't
    explain the underlying economic dynamics Smith describes.
---

# Evaluation: Non Standard Metal

## definition_precision — 2.0 / 5.0

The definition is vague and circular, defining non-standard metals as "precious metals that are not the primary standard" without clearly explaining what distinguishes them functionally or how they operate differently from standard metals. It lacks specificity about their actual role or characteristics within monetary systems.

## source_grounding — 3.0 / 5.0

While Smith does discuss different metals in monetary systems in Book I, Chapter 5, the specific term "non-standard metal" and this particular conceptual framing appears to be an interpretive overlay rather than Smith's own terminology or explicit categorization. The concept may be implicit in his discussion but isn't clearly articulated as presented.

## domain_placement — 4.0 / 5.0

The "Regulation" domain placement is appropriate since this concept deals with how monetary systems organize and standardize different metals for exchange. This fits well within regulatory frameworks for currency and value measurement.

## vsm_relevance — 2.0 / 5.0

This entity doesn't map clearly to any specific VSM system and appears too abstract to have a natural VSM home. It describes a category of monetary instruments rather than a functional system component that would operate within the VSM framework.

## explanatory_value — 2.0 / 5.0

The entity provides limited explanatory power, merely creating a category without illuminating the actual mechanisms of how these metals function or their structural relationships within monetary systems. It names a phenomenon but doesn't explain the underlying economic dynamics Smith describes.
