EGYPT. Anonymous, circa 3rd century. Gnostic Amulet (Lead, 16 mm, 2.97 g, 12 h). XYOI/EV above and below central dot. Rev. WAI Star in crescent. Cf. G. Boersema: Roman Lead 'Iao Abrasax' Amulets, in: Koinon V (2022), nos. 41-43 (for the general type of legend IAW paired with star in crescent). Good very fine.
From a European collection, formed before 2005.
The obverse inscription of this interesting 'Gnostic' amulet may be a blundered rendition of IXΘVC (literally 'fish', a Greek acrostic of 'Jesus Christ, son of God, the Savior'), which is attested as a divine name on lead amulets of this period (Boersema p. 88 and no. 92).