Victor David Brenner

Victor David Brenner (1871-1924) is singularly recognized in American numismatic history as the Lithuanian sculptor and engraver responsible for the design of the ubiquitous United States Lincoln cent, introduced in 1909. While this fractional currency piece remains his most widely circulated work, Brenner’s primary artistic output lay in the sophisticated, specialized field of the commemorative medal and the presentation plaque.

Educated in Europe and active primarily in New York from the 1890s, Brenner’s work demonstrates a command of classical realism perfectly suited to the demands of miniature bas-relief. His stylistic clarity and technical precision quickly established him as a leading figure in the American medallic arts movement. His commissions often served high institutional and ceremonial purposes, capturing important historical figures and organizational identities with refined detail during his most productive years between 1890 and 1908.

The catalogue of his surviving metalworks includes rigorous designs such as the Seal of the Fine Arts Federation of New York, commissioned for institutional use, and several highly personalized portrait plaques, notably the commissioned Plaque depicting George A. Lucas, Esq. Brenner also excelled in depicting his artistic peers and cultural figures. Among his most complex achievements are the official National Academy of Design Medal and the commemorative Two Medals Commemorating James McNeill Whistler, highlighting the artist's dedication to honoring both academic tradition and contemporary aesthetic movements.

His works are represented in major institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago, testifying to the museum-quality craftsmanship inherent in his bronze and cast metal pieces. Although Victor David Brenner paintings are nonexistent, his sculptures and medallions define his historical relevance. The enduring design of the Lincoln cent, particularly the famous initial ‘V.D.B.’ placement controversy that caused a momentary halt to production in 1909, is a unique instance where an artist’s signature became the subject of national discussion, cementing Brenner’s legacy in the public consciousness. Today, many of his medallic designs have entered the public domain, making high-quality prints and downloadable artwork accessible to historians and collectors worldwide.