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 East and West Africa Medal

The East and West Africa Medal was a campaign medal awarded for minor campaigns that took place in East and West Africa around 1887.

The British South Africa Company’s Medal

The British South Africa Company Medal was sanctioned by Queen Victoria to troops who had been engaged in the First Matabele War.

India General Service Medal (1854) - British Pre-WW1 Medals

The India General Service Medal (1854)

The India General Service Medal is a campaign medal issued to officers and men of the British and Indian armies for various campaigns.

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.