1862 Gold Sovereign Victoria Young Head Shield London

In 1862, there was only one main type of shield sovereign. The type, which has the second portrait, issued from 1853 to 1863, has a slightly larger head in lower relief. The reverse legends are repositioned. The numerals of the date are either close (narrow) or spread. 

There are no die numbers, and the engraver's initials WW are incuse on the truncation of the neck.
All 1862 sovereigns are therefore London Mint, second portrait, shield reverse, with no die number.

Original mintage was 7,836,413. 

See more information section below for varieties known.

In Marsh second edition the following varieties are listed: 

1862 sovereign F over inverted A over F in DEF. Marsh reference 45A Rarity rating R2. 
1862 sovereign 1 over inverted 1 in date. Marsh reference 45B Rarity rating R2. 
1862 sovereign R over inverted R in Victoria. Marsh reference 45C Rarity rating R4.
1862 sovereign R over E in BRIT. Marsh reference 45D Rarity rating R3.
1862 sovereign E over F in DEF. Marsh reference 45E Rarity rating R.   

Other varieties listed in Spink under reference 3852D
1 over lower 1 in date
Roman I in date

Other varieties listed elsewhere 
E over R in BRIT - listed by London Coins sale 12/2008

The obverse depicts a young head portrait of Queen Victoria designed by William Wyon, with the engravers initials on the truncation of the coin. The coin bears the legend:

VICTORIA DEI GRATIA

The reverse bears the shield design. The die number would usually be seen below the wreath however there were no die numbers issued under this date. The coin features the inscription

BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID:DEF.