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Victor David Brenner designed both sides of the original "wheat ear" cent first issued in 1909. The image of Lincoln was based on an earlier medal that he had sculpted.

The first coins struck had Brenner's initials on the back near the bottom rim. For reasons that aren't really clear today there was a public outcry over how "prominent" his monogram was, and the Mint was forced to remove the letters later that year. That's why you see 1909 cents referred to as "1909 VDB" and "1909 plain". In 1918 the Mint decided to give him permanent credit, but tucked a microscopic version of his monogram under the fold of Lincoln's coat where it remains today.

The Lincoln Memorial reverse was introduced in 1959. It was designed by Frank Gasparro, one of the greatest engravers to work for the Mint in the second half of the 20th century. His initials FG appear to the right of the Memorial, near the steps. The size of the letters has been changed over the years, sometimes larger, sometimes smaller, but it's always been at least as large as Brenner's original 1909 monogram ... and NO ONE has ever complained!

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What are the letters on front shirt of Lincoln on the penny?

They are the initials of the man who designed the Lincoln penny, Victor David Brenner.


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