The US 1862 Cent coin, designed by James B. Longacre, was minted during the American Civil War when the U.S. faced significant financial strain. The coins bronze composition (95% copper and 5% tin/zinc) was a shift from the earlier copper coins due to the war’s demand for copper in military production. The 1862 Cent reflected the governments effort to produce more affordable currency as paper money became more prevalent.
The 1862 Cents design, featuring a shield with a laurel wreath, symbolized unity and strength during a politically turbulent time. This penny became crucial in daily transactions as the Civil War caused a shortage of small change, making it both a symbol of resilience and necessity in U.S. currency.