Victor David Brenner was born June 12, 1871 in Lithuania, and later emmigrated to New York in 1890. After studying in Paris, he became a recognized sculptor, engraver, and medalist. When Theodore Rosevelt wanted to pay tribute to Abraham Lincoln, and ordered a new penny be created in honor of Lincoln's 100th birthday, Brenners design was chosen. Brenner originally placed his initials "VDB" at the bottom of the reverse side of the coin, but after some criticism, the initials were moved in 1918 to Lincoln's shoulder. The initials remain there to this day. Brenner died in 1924.
Frank Gasparro was born in Philadelphia and served as the Chief Engraver of the US Mint from 1965-1981. Gasparro had served as an Assistant Engraver and designed both sides of the Susan B. Anthony dollar, the Eisenhower dollar, and the reverse of the Kennedy half dollar. However he may be most famous for his 1959 Lincoln Memoria design which is now on the reverse side of the penny. Similarly to Victor Brenner, Frank Gasparros's initials (FG) can be seen at the base of the right side of his Lincoln Memorial design.

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