The 1870–71 Commemorative Medal was a 32mm in diameter circular bronze medal with raised edges on both sides. Its obverse bore the escutcheon of the Coat of arms of Belgium under a royal crown. To the left and right, along the circumference of the medal, the relief inscription "L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE" ("Strength through unity"). The reverse bore a stylised relief capital letter A, the monogram of King Albert I of Belgium over the years 1870–71 also inscribed in relief.