Empress of India Medal

Medal instituted in 1877, to celebrate the proclamation of Queen Victoria as Empress of India.
Medal awarded in gold to Indian princes and high-ranking British officials. Indian civilians and selected officers were awarded the silver medal.
The obverse of the medal depicts the diademed effigy of Queen Victoria, wearing a veil which falls over the back of the head and neck. Around the beaded edge of the medal is inscribed Victoria 1st January 1877. The reverse bears the inscription Empress of India in English and Hind-ka-Kesar in Hindustani and Persian. Around the edge is a repeating decorative design.