This is a bronze coin with a round coin part attached to a square base. The round part bears the inscription Guo bao jin kui and the bottom section zhi wan, in the style of writing under Wang Mang (r. 7–23). There are different hypotheses as to the use of this. Many palaeo-numismatists argue that it was currency in the Wang Mang period, but many historians hold that it was part of a tally mentioned in the histories.

 

There are only two and a half such items that have survived and been handed down: one, this complete piece shown here; one which is broken and another which has only the top part. (Wang Liyan)