3rd century AD. A silver ring with D-section hoop, elliptical in plan; raised oval bezel set with a jasper intaglio engraved with inverted Greek inscription '????C' ('ichthys, meaning 'fish'), a Greek acronym for 'Jesus Christ, Son of God'. See Marshall, F. H., Catalogue of the Finger Rings, Greek, Etruscan and Roman in the Departments of Antiquities, British Museum London, 1968, pl.XXIX, no.11, for a similar example but with incised decoration to the shoulders.9.17 grams, 21.95mm overall, 18.64x16.45mm internal diameter (approximate size British O, USA 7, Europe 14.98, Japan 14) (3/4"). From the property of an Essex private collector; acquired in the early 1990s. The term ichthys is the equivalent of the ancient Greek: ?????, ichthýs ('fish'), used by early Christians to refer to Jesus Christ. For this reason the fish symbol was very common in the catacombs of Rome. In particular, the ichthys is one of the oldest Christian symbols that has come down to us. Used covertly by Christians to mask their faith from Roman persecutors, when a Christian encountered a stranger whose loyalty he needed to know, he would draw one of the arches that make up the ichthys in the sand. If the stranger completed the sign, the two individuals recognised each other as followers of Christ. The symbol was also drawn on the doors of the houses of Christian families. Its use spread in the 3rd century to personal effects such as the ring offered here.