Zhuang (Mu) Guo Yuan Bao. 壯國元寶 A mysterious and very rare coin, this coin was recently discovered during the late Qing Dynasty. As no records existed, the origins of these coins remained a mystery and often speculated. Some suggested their thin and light build is possibly Annamese, some others suggested later Jin during the 10 kingdoms period. However the latest consensus are that it was probably minted during the Liao Dynasty given they were unearthed only in Northern China. Also, the script and quality is closely resembling Liao specimens. A sister coin of similar build and script Zhu Guo Yuan Bao 助國元寶 exists. Another interesting aspect of this coin was the often misread character 壯 (Strengthen) which was casted in 牡 (Male) with an extra dot at the lower right corner. Given the lack of records over these coins, no one truly knew the right character for it. However most numismatists today agree that it sounds awkward for an official issue meaning (Male) country. Instead it is likely to be Strengthening the country. Another supporting observation was the discovery of it's sister coin Zhu Guo Yuan Bao which meant "Assisting the country" which thematically closer and more sensibly supports the interpretation of 壯 instead of 牡。
