Obverse: The head of Queen Victoria wearing a diadem and with hair tied in a knot. Legend: 'VICTORIA REGINA 1848'. Reverse: Britannia seated on a sea horse, a trident in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. Inscription on bars: '1 & 18 SEP BOAT SERVICE 1812', '6 JAN BOAT SERVICE 1813'. Inscription on edge: 'JAMES SPENCER'. The medal is suspended by a straight clasp from a white ribbon, edged dark blue. Spencer was an ordinary seaman in 'Bacchante' during both these actions. The date 18 September is misleading - a result of some confusion regarding an action which actually took place on the 1st day of that month.