Obverse: The head of Queen Victoria wearing a diadem and with hair tied in a knot. Legend: 'VICTORIA REGINA 1848'. On the truncation: 'W. WYON R.A.' Reverse: Britannia seated on a sea horse, a trident in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. Exergue: 'W. WYON R.A.' Inscription on the edge: 'JOHN PHILIPS'. Inscription on the bars: 'TRAFALGAR', 'ALGIERS'. The medal is suspended by a plain silver clasp from a white ribbon edged with blue.