Kushano-Sasanians. AE 15 (2.33 g, 15 mm). Peroz II Kushanshah (c. 325- 330). Obverse: Bust of Kushanshah right, wearing crown with crescent and "artichoke" ornament, inscription in Pahlavi around "PYRUChYS MaLKA" (Peroz the King). Reverse: Altar with Ahura Mazda rising out, carrying wreath and scepter; Pahlavi legend around. Mitchiner ACW 1288. This coin: Pars Coins Bargain eSale 27, lot 109 (October 18, 2024). The newly formed Sasanian Persian Empire conquered territories in Bactria, Gandhara, and Sogdiana from the Kushans about 225, and shortly afterwards set the area up under a series of governors who took the title of Kushanshah (King of the Kushans). Little is known of their history except from scattered inscriptions and their coins. The Kushanshahs issued coins in their own names, although some shared their names with kings of the main Sasanian line, distinguished only by their title of Kushanshah. The coins contain a mix of Kushan-derived and Sasanian-derived designs. Around 360 the Kidarite Huns conquered most of the region, and what was left was absorbed by the Sasanians into their main territory, ending the line of Kushanshahs. This type is very clearly Sasanian-derived in all its main design elements and in its choice of language for the inscriptions. There's not much else to say, given the paucity of historical information, except that I like the portrait of the king, and the reverse type showing the god manifesting at his altar is a nice way to visualize the imminent presence of the Divine during worship. Please share your Kushano-Sasanian coins.
