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

The Second China War Medal

Average Price:

£100 to £300
($130 to $380)

(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: 1861
Country: Great Britain

The Second China War Medal is a British medal issued by the British Government in 1861 to members of the British and Indian armies and Royal Navy who took part in the Second Opium War against China between 1857 to 1860.

The medal was issued with the following clasps: China 1842 (awarded to those who had already received the medal for the First China War), Fatshan 1857, Canton 1857, Taku Forts 1858, Taku Forts 1860 and Pekin 1860.

The medal could also be awarded without a clasp.

The Second China War Medal Design

The Second China War medal was designed by William Wyon. The medal’s obverse shows the diademed head of Queen Victoria with the legend ‘VICTORIA REGINA’. The reverse has the same shield bearing the Royal Arms, with a palm tree and trophy of arms behind, as found on the First China War Medal with the inscription ‘ARMIS EXPOSCERE PACIM’ above and the word ‘CHINA’ in the exergue below.

The 32 mm ribbon is crimson with yellow edges. The original design had five equal stripes of blue, yellow, red, white and green, edged with red, representing the colors of the Qing dynasty flag, but this ribbon was not finally adopted.

More British 19th Century Campaign Medals

The Sutlej Medal

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

The Abyssinian War Medal

The Abyssinian War Medal is a medal awarded to those who participated in the punitive 1868 Expedition to Abyssinia.

The Jellalabad Medals

The Jellalabad Medal is a campaign medal awarded for the defence of Jalalabad and issued by the British East India Company.

The China War Medal (1842)

The China War Medal is a military medal awarded to members of the British and Indian forces who took part in the First Anglo-Chinese War.

The Gwalior Star (Punniar)

The Gwalior Star is a Campaign medal presented to the soldiers of the British Army and Bengal Army who took part in the Gwalior Campaign.

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.