Obverse: Head of Queen Victoria crowned, hair tied in a knot (left). Legend: 'VICTORIA D : G : BRITANNIARUM REGINA . F . D .' Reverse: Within an oak wreath tied with a ribbon, a crown above. Inscription: 'PRESENTED BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT'. Legend: 'FOR GALLANTRY AND HUMANITY IN SAVING THE CREW OF THE BARQUE NORFOLK OF NEWCASTLE NOVEMBER 1858'. Inscription on edge: 'JAMES DIAMOND'. The 'Norfolk' foundered in the Atlantic, her crew were rescued by a boat's crew from the American packet ship 'Tuscarora'.

According to the Dictionary of Tyne Sailing Ships by Richard E. Keys (self published 1998) The Norfolk was abandoned and disabled on 15 November 1858 and in a sinking state when on passage to St. John New Brunswick (?). Its crew were rescued by the American packet ship Tuscarora. The master of this ship at the time of the rescue was Jame sHill of 147 Church Sreet, North Shields.