A very short lived emperor, Jovian was never very popular. Not long after being proclaimed emperor on campaign after his predecessor Julian was killed in late June, 363, he surrendered vast swaths of Roman territory to Persia in exchange for peace. This included the entirety of Roman territory east of the Tigris River, the cities of Singara and Nisbis, as well as all control in the Kingdom of Armenia. A very unpopular move, he was considered a disgrace by many.

Less than 6 months later, Jovian appointed his newborn son Varronianus to the position of consul. Shortly thereafter, he passed away on the march to Nicea. It is unknown how he died, it was either of natural causes or poison.

As his reign was so short, Jovian only issued a few different solidus reverse deigns. On this particular type, the figures of Roma and Constantinople hold up a shield with the inscription "VOT-V-MVL-X". This stands for "Vows for the Fifth Reign Anniversary and More for the Upcoming Tenth Anniversary". Which is ironic since he only ruled for less than seven months.