245-270 AD., Kushano-Sassanian, Peroz I, Balkh mint, Æ Drachm, Göbl 1105.

Kushano-Sassanian, Peroz I, Balkh mint, ca. 245-270 AD.,
Æ Drachm (14-15 mm / 2,03 g), copper, axes medal alignment ↑↑ (ca. 0°),
Obv.: [ΠIPΩZO OOZOPKO KOÞANO ÞOYO] , ("Peroz the great, Kushan king"), king offering at altar left.
Rev.: [OOPZAOANΔO IAZAΔO] ("Exalted God") , the Great God (Shiva) standing facing, bull Nandi behind facing left.
Göbl 1105 ; Carter 08 ; Cribb 20 ; MAC 1275-7 ; http://numismatics.org/collection/1987.46.24 ; cf. Zeno 127254 .

Western Kushans were dominated by the Sassanians and issued coins in Sassanian style bearing the name of the Sassanian kings. The Sasanid empire was large and powerful, and exercised some of its control through vassal states in Bactria and Gandhara, often referred to as Kushanshahs (kings or kingdoms of Kushan). They were allowed their own coinage under Sasanid patronage. On the reverse, there is a deitiy emerging from the flames of the fire altar. This is reminiscent of the Sasanid drachms, which show Ahura Mazda in the flames, but in this case the figure seems to be leaning on a staff or maybe emerging with its aid. It is possible that this might represent Mithra. The fire altar is an important symbol. It represents the enduring energy of the creator Ahura Mazda.