WASHINGTON- She was instrumental in refurbishing the White House following its destruction during the War of 1812. The people of France-with whom she and her husband were popular-called her la belle Americaine. A mere visit from her to Madame Lafayette saved the imprisoned woman from the guillotine.

The Nation celebrates the life and work of this woman-Elizabeth Monroe-with the United States Mint's release of a 24-karat gold coin on February 28 at noon (ET). The Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin will be available in 1/2-ounce proof and uncirculated versions offered at $619.95 and $599.95, respectively. Mintage is set at 40,000 across both product options. Customer demand will determine the ratio of proof to uncirculated coins produced.

Orders for the Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin will be limited to one per product option per household for the first week of sales. The United States Mint will reevaluate this limit following the initial sales period and either extend, adjust or eliminate it.

Bronze medals bearing the likeness of the coin also will be available for $3.50. There is no mintage or order limit for this option.

The obverse of the Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin bears a portrait designed by Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and executed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart. Inscriptions on the coin are "Elizabeth Monroe" and "1817-1825," the years she served as First Spouse. Additional inscriptions on the obverse of the coin are "In God We Trust," "Liberty" and "2008."

The coin's reverse features a portrait of Elizabeth Monroe at a reception marking the 1818 reopening of the White House after it had been burned during the War of 1812. Inscriptions are "United States of America," "E Pluribus Unum," "$10," "1/2 oz." and ".9999 Fine Gold." The reverse of the Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin was designed by Artistic Infusion Program Associate Designer Donna Weaver and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles Vickers.

To view or download an image of the Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin, go to: http://www.usmint.gov/pressroom/index.cfm?action=Photo#2007Spouse

Customers who are interested in adding the Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin to their collections may place their orders at the United States Mint's secure web site, www.usmint.gov, or at the toll-free number, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be applied to all domestic orders.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of noon (ET) February 28 shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored. For more information, please review the United States Mint's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), Answer ID #175.