Established by King Christian IX the medal is presented at the prerogative of the Monarch.

[1] The Royal Medal of Reward was established by an ordinance of King Christian IX on 4 September 1865.

On the obverse, it bears the effigy of Queen Margrethe II in profile.

Surrounding the effigy is the inscription, Margareta II – Regina Daniæ.

[1] The medal is awarded on the prerogative of the monarch and does not require prior recommendation from some public authority or source.