Medals Database > By Country > Great Britain (19th Century Campaign Medals)

The Abyssinian War Medal

Average Price:

£200 to £500
($250 to $640)

(The cost varies based on the medal’s historical significance, the recipient’s background, and the condition of the medal)

Time Period: Pre-WW1
Year of Institution: 1 March 1869
Country: Great Britain

The Abyssinian War Medal is a medal awarded to those who participated in the punitive 1868 Expedition to Abyssinia, led by Lieutenant-General Sir Robert Napier, between 4 October 1867 and 19 April 1868. This expedition was carried out by armed forces of the British Empire against the Ethiopian Empire (Emperor Tewodros II of Ethiopia had imprisoned several missionaries and two representatives of the British government.)

About 14,000 medals were awarded, 12,000 to the British and Indian armies and 1,981 to the Royal Navy.

The Abyssinian Medal Design

The Abyssinian medal is struck in silver an measures 1.25 inches (32 mm) in diameter. It was designed by Joseph and Alfred Wyon, and struck at the Royal Mint.

The medal is unique in that the recipient’s name and unit were embossed on the reverse of the medal. This required that the dies for the reverse had to have a removable center so each recipient’s name and unit could be impressed, with each medal minted individually.

The obverse bears the left facing effigy of a diademed Queen Victoria. Around the edge is a stylized border with indentions, between the indentions are the letters ABYSSINIA. The bust is similar to that on the New Zealand Medal issued in the same year.

The medal is held by a ring suspension attached to a crown surmounting the medal. The medal is borne upon a crimson ribbon 1.5 inches (38 mm) wide, with white borders.

More British 19th Century Campaign Medals

The Baltic Medal

The Baltic Medal is a campaign medal issued to officers and men who served in Baltic Sea operations in the Baltic theatre of the Crimean War.

The Indian Mutiny Medal

The Indian Mutiny Medal is a campaign medal issued to officers and men who served in operations in suppression of the Indian Mutiny.

The Second China War Medal

The Second China War Medal is a British medal for British and Indian armies and Royal Navy who took part in the Second Opium War.

The Punjab Medal

The Punjab Medal is a campaign medal issued to officers and men of the British Army and East India Company who served in the Punjab campaign.

The New Zealand Medal

The New Zealand Medal is a campaign medal awarded to Imperial and Colonial troops in the New Zealand Wars of 1845–47 (and 1848) and 1860–66.

More Medals from Great Britain

Explore the rich history of British military honors through a captivating display of medals from different periods. Use the images below to learn more about the diverse array of decorations that have adorned the uniforms of British servicemen and women throughout history or use the button at the end to visit the entire UK medals database.