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Medal · United Kingdom
(opens the listing on LiveAuctioneers)
(opens the image page on Wikimedia Commons)Reference image
Reference image: Hsq7278CC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons
Ribbon image: KiltpinCC BY-SA 3.0Wikimedia Commons
United KingdomSold median$455
median of 28 recent sales, 98 in all · typically $318 – $521 · 2 for sale now
All classes, authentic single pieces, US dollars with buyer's premium; recent = dated sales of the last 10 years. Updated 3 Nov 2026.
The Second China War Medal was 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 of 1857 to 1860 against China. The 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 suspender is the same as that used on the Indian Mutiny Medal.
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
Pekin 1860
The medal could also be awarded without a clasp.
The 32 mm ribbon is crimson with yellow edges.
From Wikipedia (article), under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Sold: realised prices with buyer's premium, median and middle 50%. Buy now: asking prices, kept separate.
All examples
| Class | Sold median | Typical range | Sales | Buy now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All examples | $455 | $318 – $521 | 28last 9 Oct 2026 | 2 listed · $470 – $497 |
Photos and titles belong to the listing's source; each links to it.
Dixons Medals
£375
approximately ≈ $497
£355
approximately ≈ $470
Officers Colourssold
£385
approximately ≈ $510
€360
approximately ≈ $408
+ est. 25% premium ≈ $510 paid
Auctionetsold
£280
approximately ≈ $378
+ est. 22% premium ≈ $461 paid
Auctionetsold
£360
approximately ≈ $479
+ est. 22% premium ≈ $584 paid
Invaluablesold
A$700
approximately ≈ $456
+ est. 25% premium ≈ $570 paid
Auctionetsold
£360
approximately ≈ $455
+ est. 22% premium ≈ $555 paid