Royal Victorian Medal
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Royal Victorian Medal is a British Commonwealth medal established by Queen Victoria in April 1896. It is a reward for personal service to the Sovereign or the Royal Family, and as a mark of royal esteem. The Medal is conferred upon civilians and non-commissioned military personnel. Although the Medal is related to the Royal Victorian Order, it differs in appearance and in the way it is worn. Like the Royal Victorian Order, this medal is the personal gift of the sovereign.
The Medal has three different categories: Bronze, Silver and silver gilt (gold). Bars may be awarded to each class of Medal for further services. Recipients may continue to wear their original medal if they are awarded a higher level for further service. In most cases recipients are given the silver medal. The medal may also be worn in addition to the badge of the Royal Victorian Order if this is later given to them.
On the obverse side of the medal appears the effigy of the reigning Sovereign and an inscription of the current legend. On the reverse is the Royal Cypher upon an ornamental shield within a laurel wreath.
The medal is given to Commonwealth citizens during royal visits and holds a place on the Order of Precedence in many Commonwealth countries.
Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters RVM.
