The medal was initially sanctioned for award to troops who had been engaged in action against the mutineers.

[4] In 1862, the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot's mascot, Private Derby, received the Indian Mutiny Medal at Poona.

[4] The reverse shows a helmeted Britannia holding a wreath in her right hand and a union shield on her left arm.

The reverse was designed by Leonard Charles Wyon, who also engraved the die of the medal.

The recipient's name and unit is impressed on the rim of the medal in block Roman capitals.