TLS as president, one page, 7 x 9, White House letterhead, November 20, 1908. Letter to Victor David Brenner, the designer of the Lincoln cent. In full: “I thank you for the photographs of the medallion. I return the ones autographed, as you desire. I am exceedingly pleased with the medallion. It is an admirable piece of work.” In very good condition, with uniform toning, several creases to lower right, a couple lightly affecting signature, some mild soiling, and a slightly fuzzy appearance to signature.
The medallion here identified honored the diggers of the Panama Canal, and was the brainchild of TR who proposed the idea to Congress after paying a visit to the construction site in 1906. The medallion, presented to all American citizens who had at least two years of satisfactory continuous service with the Canal construction forces or the Panama Railroad, was designed in November 1908 by artist F. D. Millet and Brenner, who prepared the plaster model and apparently finalized the design. It is his name that appears on the medal next to the portrait of President Roosevelt. A year later, Roosevelt chose Brenner, both of whom shared a great admiration for Abraham Lincoln, to design a new cent commemorating the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, culminating in the newly minted 1909 Lincoln cent. Unique correspondence with the chief executive expressing respect and admiration for the young sculptor. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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