General Lafayette’s visit to the United States in 1824 was a cause for huge celebration, sparking the manufacture of all kinds of commemorative souvenirs: dinner sets, watch ribbons, belt buckles, and even ladies’ gloves with buttons that bore his portrait. In the center of this plate, the two heroes of the American Revolution are depicted in medallion portraits. On the left is George Washington with his name inscribed above and the date "July 4, 1776" below. On the right is Lafayette, with the words "Welcome Lafayette" inscribed above his head and "The Nation’s Guest / Aug. 6, 1824" below.

The image of Washington is derived from a 1795 oil painting by the American artist Gilbert Stuart, known as the "Vaughn Portrait" (allegedly Martha Washington’s favorite of the many portraits Stuart painted of her husband). Lafayette’s likeness comes from an engraving by the French artist A. F. B. Geille. The border of scrolls, flowers, and urns was a stock, reusable design owned by the manufacturer.