Info request on Meze AE Drachm of Hormizd I Kushanshah, Kushano-Sasanian c. 265-295 AD

Hi everyone! I wanted to share this piece with you all and compile some information I've found on it. I also would like to request any further information or corrections! I don't have access to any of the references so most of this information comes from online auctions. Without further ado,

AE Drachm
Governor Meze under Hormizd I Kushanshah
Circa 265-295 AD (Questionable)
Kushano-Sasanian Kingdom
Client of the Sasanian Empire (Neo-Persian Empire)
Gandhara Mint
Obverse: Pahlavi script reading "Meze", bearded bust facing right wearing lion headdress, long ribbons from hair flow upward in pleats.
Reverse: The iconic fire altar with a strong "Gondopharan" symbol on the shaft, bust on altar (?).
3.43g | 17 mm​

References: Mitchiner ACW 1284v, Gobl Kushan 1125, Alram IP 1463, Cribb SI 19, #35 (Gandharan issues)​

The map above, taken from Wikipedia, depicts the territory of the Kushano-Sasanian Kingdom (purple) within the greater Sasanian Empire (orange).

The Kushano-Sasanian Kingdom was ruled by kings called the Kushanshahs, or King of the Kushan. The Kushan Empire occupied the lands prior to being defeated by the Sasanian Empire during the 3rd century. In 225 AD the Kushans lost the Sogdiana, Bactria and Gandhara regions to the Sasanians who, in 230 AD, appointed the first Kushanshah governor, Ardashir I, to the eastern region. Ardashir became the first ruler of the Kushano-Sasanian Kingdom that would control the area until the eventual conquering of the region in 320 AD by the warlord Kidara I who would establish the Kidarite Kingdom in the same year.

The ruler that my coin is attributed in Hormizd I Kushanshah. Wikipedia lists his lifetime as 275-late 280s AD while most online auctions place it at 265-295 AD. The coin is said by Cobb to read MHZH, or Meze, on the obverse in Pahlavi. Cobb suggests that Meze was a local governor who ruled for Hormizd I Kushanshah. The Wikipedia page for Hormizd II Kushanshah mentions that the coins minted during the reign of both Hormizd I and Hormizd II feature the names of two local governors, Meze and Kavad. I found the below example of the Kavad (KaBoo or Kawad) legend coin here, on VCoins.


The Gondopharan symbol that is so prominent on the fire altar appears to be common place on coins from Gandhara. I believe that the name is in reference to Gondophares, founder of the Indo-Parthian Kingdom. Fun fact, Gondophares is thought by some to be one of the Three Wise Men from the East. Below is an example of a prominent Gondopharan symbol on an AR Tetradrachm of Gondophares, 20-55 AD.
Pegasi Numismatics / Agora Auctions
I've linked and used the auctions below to provide further examples and context for my coin first posted. If anyone has access to any of the references I'd really appreciate some further insight or confirmation. Again the references listed online are Mitchiner ACW 1284v, Gobl Kushan 1125, Alram IP 1463, and Cribb SI 19, #35 (Gandharan issues).



Link 1 (five examples)
Link 2 (NumisMall)
Link 3 (Ariana Coins)
Link 4 and Link 5 (Forum Ancient Coins)