Victor D Brenner

### Victor David Brenner: The Creator of the Lincoln Wheat Penny

Hey everyone! Today, I’m going to tell you all about the amazing person who designed the Lincoln Wheat Penny, Victor David Brenner. His story is super cool, and you’ll see why his design made such a big splash in the world of coins. So, let’s dive in and learn more about Brenner and his incredible journey to creating one of the most iconic pennies ever!

#### Who Was Victor David Brenner?

Victor David Brenner was born on June 12, 1871, in a place called Shavli, which is now part of Lithuania. He was really talented and creative right from the start. When he was young, he worked with his dad, who was a gem and seal engraver. This is where he first learned the skills that would later make him famous. Can you imagine starting to learn such detailed work at a young age?

#### Brenner’s Training and Journey to America

As a teenager, Brenner wanted to take his skills to the next level. So, he traveled to Paris, France, where he studied at some of the best art schools. He worked really hard and became an expert in engraving and sculpting. But Brenner wasn’t done yet—he wanted to make an even bigger mark on the world!

In 1890, Brenner moved to the United States. He settled in New York City, which was a hub of creativity and opportunity. There, he continued his work as an engraver and quickly gained a reputation for his detailed and beautiful designs. People loved his work, and he started to get more and more important jobs.

#### How Brenner Got the Job to Design the Penny

In the early 1900s, something very exciting happened. It was almost 100 years since Abraham Lincoln, one of the most beloved Presidents of the United States, was born. To celebrate Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the U.S. government wanted to create a special coin. They needed someone super talented to design it. Guess who got the job? Yep, Victor David Brenner!

Brenner had actually met President Theodore Roosevelt, who was in office at the time. Roosevelt was really impressed with Brenner’s work and thought he would be the perfect person to design the new penny. Roosevelt had seen a medal that Brenner had created with Lincoln’s face on it and loved it. So, he asked Brenner to design the new Lincoln penny. How cool is that?

#### The Design of the Lincoln Wheat Penny

Brenner’s design for the Lincoln Wheat Penny was awesome. On the front (or obverse) of the penny, he put a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. This was the first time a real person’s face was on a regular U.S. coin! People loved it because it was different and honored such an important figure.

On the back (or reverse) of the penny, Brenner designed two wheat stalks. These wheat stalks were meant to symbolize America’s agricultural history and the importance of farming in the country’s growth. The words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” were placed between the wheat stalks. The design was simple but powerful, and it became a hit.

#### The Importance of the Initials “V.D.B.”

Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Brenner included his initials, “V.D.B.,” on the back of the penny, at the bottom between the wheat stalks. These initials stood for Victor David Brenner. This might not seem like a big deal, but it actually caused a lot of buzz!

Some people thought the initials were too big and too noticeable. They felt like Brenner was showing off too much. Because of this, there was a bit of a controversy. The government decided to remove the initials from the penny later in 1909. But don’t worry—Brenner’s initials made a comeback! In 1918, the initials were put back on the penny, but they were much smaller and placed on the front of the coin, just below Lincoln’s shoulder.

#### Why Brenner’s Design Is So Important

Victor David Brenner’s design for the Lincoln Wheat Penny is super important for a few reasons. First, it was the first time a real person’s face was on a regular U.S. coin. This was a big change and showed how much America loved and respected Abraham Lincoln. Second, the design itself was beautiful and meaningful, celebrating both Lincoln and America’s agricultural roots.

Finally, Brenner’s initials, “V.D.B.,” became a fun and interesting part of the penny’s history. Collectors and history buffs love looking for pennies with the initials because they’re special and remind us of Brenner’s incredible work.

So, the next time you see a Lincoln Wheat Penny, remember Victor David Brenner and his amazing journey from a young engraver to the creator of one of the most famous coins in U.S. history. It’s pretty awesome to think about how one person’s talent and creativity can leave such a lasting mark on the world!

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