It was the first wearable medal issued to mark a commemorative occasion within the British Empire.

This medal marked the occasion of the proclamation at the Delhi Durbar of Queen Victoria as Empress of India on 1 January 1877.

It measures 58 millimetres (2.3 in) in diameter, nearly 20 mm more than a campaign 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, Hind-ka-Kesar in Hindustani, and Qaisar-e-Hind in Persian.

During the Durbar proclaiming Victoria Empress of India, the Viceroy, arrayed in the robes of the Grand Master of the Order of the Star of India, received each of the 63 ruling princes of India in turn, he: ... placed round the prince's neck a crimson ribbon, to which was attached a very handsome gold medal with the Queen's head engraved on it, adding: 'I decorate you, by command of Her Majesty.