ASIA MINOR. Uncertain. 2nd-3rd centuries. Tessera (Lead, 16 mm, 5.06 g), Octavia, priestess. [I]ЄPHC - OKTA[BIA]C Cult statue of Artemis Ephesia. Rev. Blank. Gert Boersema Ancient Coins stock no. 10317. Gülbay & Kireç 180 (...BIAC). Irregular edges, otherwise, very fine.


The legend of this tessera can be translated as "of the priestess Octavia". "Ephesian" tesserae regularly mention magistrates' names and their offices, but priests and priestesses are very rarely encountered. An interesting parallel is found on a tessera signed by a high priest ("archiereus", the name is unclear) published by Rostovtsev & Prou (no. 431).