These copper coins were minted under Queen Victoria during the British Raj, an 89 year period in which the United Kingdom controlled the Indian subcontinent.

Although India had already been ruled by the British Crown since 1858, the title of "Empress of India" was bestowed upon Queen Victoria in 1876. Though it was mostly ceremonial in nature, it was meant to increase the acceptance of the British monarchy as the official head of state. Indian royals and politicians were made to swear their allegiance to the crown, and portraits of the reigning monarch were placed into government buildings, train stations, and other official areas.

Despite being named "Empress" of the nation, Queen Victoria never visited India herself. However, she was known to have taken a personal interest in Indian culture. Many of her dinner menus featured Indian cuisine, and she even learned enough Hindi to write some diary entries in the language.

Following the death of Victoria in 1901, the title would be adapted to "Emperor of India" for the kings that succeeded her. The title continued to be used until it was abolished by the Indian Independence Act of 1947.

Minted in Calcutta with a face value of ½ pice, the obverse design of these coins features the crowned bust of Victoria surrounded by the legend "VICTORIA EMPRESS" or "VICTORIA QUEEN." The reverse shows the denomination, country, and date, surrounded by an ornate border of intertwined leaves.

Each includes a Certificate of Authenticity and is guaranteed genuine.