This coin is a solidus minted and issued by Emperor Jovian of the Western Roman Empire between AD 363 and AD 364.
The obverse of the coin features a right-facing profile portrait of Emperor Jovian, adorned with a pearl diadem, draped in a cloak and wearing a cuirass. Surrounding the portrait is the Latin inscription “D N IOVIAN-VS P F AVG,” an abbreviation of “Dominus Noster Jovianus Pius Felix Augustus,” translating to “Our Lord Jovian, the pious and blessed emperor.”
The reverse of the coin depicts a wreath held jointly by figures symbolising Rome and Constantinople, with the central inscription “VOT V MULT X” (Votis Quinquennalibus Multis Decennalibus), which means “vows for five years, and again for ten years.” Encircling this are the Latin words “SECVRITAS – REI – PVBLICAE,” signifying “Securitas of the republic.” Below, the letters “AN” denote Antioch, the place where the coin was minted.
Securitas:
Securitas is a goddess from Roman mythology, symbolizing safety and stability. Her depiction is frequently featured on artifacts such as coins of the Roman Empire, where she is typically portrayed leaning against a column.
Jovian was the 64th Emperor of the Roman Empire, reigning from AD 363 to AD 364. His tenure lasted only eight months before he died of food poisoning at the age of 33. Notably, he is known for concluding a peace treaty with the Sassanian Empire of Persia, thereby ending the ongoing conflict between Rome and Persia. Moreover, Jovian was a devout Christian who, upon ascending to the throne, reinstated previously restricted Christian practices.
