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Jovian
Jovian. AD 363-364. AV Solidus (20.5mm, 4.40 g, 6h). Sirmium mint. Pearl-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Roma enthroned facing, holding spear, and Constantinopolis enthroned left, right foot on prow and holding scepter, together holding between them a shield inscribed VOT/ V/ MVLT/ X in four lines; •SIRM(palm). RIC VII 115; Depeyrot 25/1; Biaggi 2226 var. (no stop in mintmark). Ex. CNG Auction 126, lot 912, 29 May 2024. From the Family of Constantine Collection, assembled with guidance by Roland Michel, Geneva. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 18 (29 March 2000), lot 747. Ex. Leu 25 (23 April 1980), lot 447.
Jovian, often overshadowed by more prominent figures of Roman history, holds a unique place as a transitional leader during one of the empire's most tumultuous periods. Born in 331 AD in Singidunum (modern-day Belgrade, Serbia), Jovian served as a senior officer in the Roman army under Emperor Julian, whose sudden death in 363 AD during the Persian campaign left the empire leaderless in hostile territory. Jovian’s unexpected rise to power marked a brief but significant chapter in Roman history.
Jovian was proclaimed emperor by the army amidst dire circumstances. Julian’s campaign against the Persian Empire had faltered, leaving the Roman forces trapped and vulnerable. Jovian’s first priority was to secure a peace treaty with the Persian king, Shapur II, to ensure the army's survival. The treaty, while necessary, came at a great cost: Rome ceded significant territories, including the cities of Nisibis and Singara. This compromise tarnished Jovian’s reputation among contemporaries, though modern historians recognize the difficult position he faced.
A devout Christian, Jovian sought to restore Christianity’s prominence following Julian’s attempts to revive paganism. He issued edicts supporting the Christian faith and repealed Julian’s policies that had favored pagan practices. However, Jovian’s efforts to stabilize religious tensions were cut short by his untimely death in February 364, after only eight months as emperor.
Jovian’s legacy remains complex. While criticized for the territorial losses, his decisions arguably saved the Roman army and ensured the empire’s continuity during a precarious moment. His reign marked a return to Christian dominance, shaping the religious trajectory of the empire. Despite his brevity in power, Jovian's role as a stabilizer during a crisis highlights the challenges and sacrifices of leadership in the late Roman Empire. His life serves as a reminder of the burdens borne by those thrust into power amidst chaos.
Jovian soldi are scare coins but not overly rare. They are most commonly found with issues however, and finding a truly unimpaired example is difficult. The present coin is exceptional, fully struck and lustrous.