Elizabeth Monroe ran a tight ship at the White House. Very few people were allowed access to the first family. Before her husband, James, became president, he served as diplomatic minister in France. Elizabeth made such an impression on the French, they called her "la belle Americaine" (the beautiful American).
The obverse (heads side) of the Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Coin shows a beautiful portrait of Elizabeth designed by Susan Gamble and sculpted by Don Everhart. The reverse (tails side) depicts Elizabeth at a reception opening the White House after it had been burned in the War of 1812. It was designed by Donna Weaver and sculpted by Charles Vickers.
