Early Christian intaglio gemstone (AD 4th–5th centuries)
A carnelian intaglio engraved with two fishes.
Cf. J. Spier, Late Antique and Early Christian Gems, pp. 41-48 n. 190-298.
The fish symbol is an ancient one in Christianity, representing both Jesus and his followers. Jesus had told Peter, “I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). But the fish through an acrostic also became a symbol of Jesus himself.
Weight: 0.31 g.
Diameter: 10.36 mm.