wkl or hwkd: Reading the Legitimizing Title on the Sasanian King Walāsh Coin

Abstract This research aims at investigating the reading of the legend on the coin of the Sasanian king Walāsh. The short-lived reign of Walāsh has been distinguished from his predecessors by placing a special legend on his coins. Previously, this legend was read as hwkl ( hukar ); but some numismatists and historians have invalidated that reading and presented a new one, hwkd ( hu-kay ). This article seeks to investigate which reading is valid. The author claims, that based on numismatic data, inscriptions, historical texts, and national history, the title of hukar , meaning benefactor, has an ancient background in religious and historical traditions that make its choice superior.