AW on Yezdegard drachm

[Alwin]

Hello all,
At the reverse of this drachm of Yezdegard I, I read to the right AW which can be Ahwaz (Khuzestan). Nevertheless this city had been founded by Ardashir I, who gave it the name of Hormizd-Ardashir. I am thus surprised finding letters AW, which correspond to the modern name AhWaz, and not letters which correspond to the name given by Ardashir. Can anybody explain that?
Always at the reverse, but at left, the letter seems to be "h", which is not a date ??
Thanks,
Alain

[tkmallon]

Interesting coin. The signature AWH is known for both Varhran IV and Yazdgard I and is usually written at the top of the reverse.  From Sears' Monetary History of Iraq and Iran, 1997, page 102: "AWH almost certainly indicates the element Ohrmazd ... AW is likely a shorter form of this abbreviation." "The legend is well attested in the Khuzistan Hoard so that Hormazd-Ardashir (Ar. al-Ahwaz) is probable." tom

[Alwin]

Thank you Tom. I can read rather easily my parthian coins, but my sassanian coins, that's a different kettle of fish (Harrap's shorter  )