Šiauliai Has a Tribute to the American Penny Coin: Šiauliai, a historically rich city in Lithuania, holds an extraordinary connection to the iconic American penny coin. The city recently unveiled a stunning sculpture of the Lincoln cent, celebrating its ties to the man who designed the coin, Victor David Brenner. This tribute not only highlights the artistic achievements of a Šiauliai-born talent but also bridges local heritage with global history.
In this article, we explore the fascinating story behind this unique sculpture. From the inspiration that led to its creation to its symbolic placement in the Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy (VUŠA), discover why Šiauliai has a tribute to the American penny coin and the legacy it commemorates.
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Location of Tribute | VUŠA Library Courtyard, Šiauliai |
| Design and Materials | Bronze sculpture of a Lincoln cent, 1.45 meters in diameter, on a stainless-steel base |
| Creator of the Original Coin | Victor David Brenner, a native of Šiauliai |
| Historical Significance | The coin celebrates Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birth anniversary |
| Unique Achievement | Largest coin replica in Lithuania; recognized in the Lithuanian Book of Records |
How Šiauliai Inspired the Tribute
The idea for this unique sculpture was born when Vilius Puronas, an industrial designer, stumbled upon an encyclopedia reference to Victor David Brenner. He learned that Brenner, originally from Šiauliai, had achieved fame in the United States for designing the Lincoln cent, first minted in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday.
Determined to celebrate Brenner’s roots, Puronas envisioned a sculpture to showcase this connection between Šiauliai and American history. The result was a 1.45-meter bronze replica of the iconic coin, representing both Brenner’s artistry and Šiauliai’s pride in its heritage.
From Concept to Creation: The Journey of the Sculpture
The sculpture, aptly named “One Cent,” took eight years to find its final home. Puronas collaborated with sculptor Vytautas Tallat-Kelpša to create the piece, but their design initially lost a local competition in Šiauliai. For years, the bronze coin sculpture remained in storage on private property before being moved to its current location at VUŠA.
Today, the sculpture stands proudly in the library’s courtyard, positioned so that it can be viewed through the window of the Cent Room, another creative project by Puronas. The Cent Room, adorned with over 157,000 Lithuanian coins, is a tribute to Lithuania’s numismatic history and has become a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike.
Who Was Victor David Brenner?
Victor David Brenner, born in Šiauliai in 1871, came from a Jewish family and emigrated to the United States at the age of 19. He studied art and quickly became renowned for his bas-reliefs, medals, and portraits.
Brenner’s journey to designing the Lincoln cent began in 1908 when then-President Theodore Roosevelt visited his studio. Roosevelt noticed Brenner’s bas-relief portrait of Abraham Lincoln and suggested it be used for a new coin to mark Lincoln’s centennial.
The Lincoln cent, which debuted in 1909, was the first American coin to feature a president’s portrait, revolutionizing coin design and symbolism. Brenner’s initials, “VDB,” were initially engraved on the coin but later removed due to controversy over their prominence.
Why the Tribute Matters
Šiauliai’s tribute to the American penny coin is significant for several reasons:
- Preserving Local Heritage: It honors Victor David Brenner, a Šiauliai-born artist whose work reached global recognition.
- Connecting Histories: The tribute links Šiauliai to one of the most famous coins in the world, showcasing how local talent can leave an international legacy.
- Boosting Tourism: The sculpture and the Cent Room have become must-visit landmarks, attracting visitors eager to learn about the city’s unique history.
Two Features That Make This Tribute Unique
1. The Largest Coin Replica in Lithuania
The bronze Lincoln cent sculpture, measuring 1.45 meters in diameter, is officially the largest coin replica in Lithuania. This distinction earned it a place in the Lithuanian Book of Records, further enhancing its significance as a national landmark.
2. Integration with the Cent Room
The location of the sculpture in the VUŠA Library Courtyard is intentional. Positioned to align with the Cent Room, it creates a thematic connection between the tribute to Brenner’s Lincoln cent and Lithuania’s own numismatic history. The Cent Room itself is a masterpiece, with walls and furniture covered in over 157,000 coins, symbolizing the country’s rich monetary heritage.
Beyond Earth: The Coin That Traveled to Mars
The Lincoln cent holds a unique place in history—not just on Earth but in space. In 2012, NASA scientists included a Lincoln cent on the Curiosity rover for its mission to Mars. The coin was used as a calibration tool for the rover’s cameras, demonstrating its durability and versatility even on another planet.
This interstellar connection adds an intriguing layer to the sculpture in Šiauliai, linking the city’s tribute to a coin that has literally reached new heights.
FAQs
1. Why is Šiauliai significant in the story of the Lincoln cent?
Šiauliai is the birthplace of Victor David Brenner, the artist who designed the Lincoln cent, making it a central part of the coin’s history.
2. Where can I see the tribute in Šiauliai?
The tribute is located in the courtyard of the Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy (VUŠA).
3. What makes the Lincoln cent special?
The Lincoln cent was the first U.S. coin to feature a president’s portrait, commemorating Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birth anniversary in 1909.
4. What is the Cent Room?
The Cent Room, located at VUŠA, is a coin-themed attraction featuring walls and furniture covered with over 157,000 Lithuanian coins.
5. Did the Lincoln cent really go to Mars?
Yes, a Lincoln cent was sent aboard NASA’s Curiosity rover in 2012 to calibrate its cameras during its mission on Mars.
Final Thoughts
Šiauliai’s tribute to the American penny coin is a testament to the city’s rich history and its connection to a global legacy. By honoring Victor David Brenner and his iconic design, this sculpture celebrates not only artistic achievement but also the enduring ties between Lithuania and the United States.
If you ever find yourself in Lithuania, make sure to visit this remarkable landmark. Take a walk through the Cent Room, marvel at the stunning bronze coin, and immerse yourself in the fascinating story of Šiauliai’s role in shaping a piece of American history. Share your thoughts in the comments below or plan your trip to explore this unique piece of art and history today!
