Historical Insight:
1862 was a pivotal year in world history, most notably during the American Civil War, when Britain’s cotton mills faced shortages due to the Union blockade. Domestically, the country was at the height of the Victorian age, with science, literature, and empire flourishing. Coins from this period embody Britain’s dominance as the “workshop of the world.”

Collecting Note:
The 1862 penny is a staple for collectors of Victorian coinage, with certain varieties (such as different die numbers) sought after by specialists. Its durability means many circulated heavily, making high-grade examples especially valued.