ASIA MINOR. Uncertain. 2nd-3rd centuries. Tessera (Lead, 16 mm, 3.95 g), Octavia, priestess. IЄP[HC] - O[KTABIAC] Cult statue of Artemis Ephesia. Rev. Blank. Gert Boersema Ancient Coins stock no. 10317. Gülbay & Kireç 180 (...BIAC). An interesting tessera type signed by a priestess of the imperial cult. Some surface roughness, otherwise, very fine.
From a collection of lead tesserae from Asia Minor.
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).