"1652" Shilling Pine Tree - Silver Elder Fantasy Noe-Y

Coin Details

Auction Record

$780 MS62 08-23-2024 Stack's Bowers

Description

A silver fantasy shilling in the Massachusetts Pine Tree design, created by Elder and designated Noe-Y in the standard reference. The silver composition matches the original Pine Tree Shilling metal, giving Elder's fantasy piece a more authentic appearance than the copper version. Elder produced this fantasy shilling with dies that capture the essential Pine Tree Shilling design elements but do not faithfully reproduce any specific genuine die marriage. The pine tree, while recognizably colonial in style, differs in details from the trees on authentic Hull Mint products. Similarly, the reverse lettering and border details show characteristics of 19th-century die-cutting rather than 17th-century craftsmanship. The distinction between "copy" and "fantasy" in colonial numismatics is important. Copies aim to faithfully reproduce a specific known coin, while fantasies take creative liberties with the design. Elder's Noe-Y shilling falls into the fantasy category because it does not correspond to any documented genuine Pine Tree die variety. The silver composition adds a layer of potential confusion, as the weight and color approximate genuine coins, but the die differences are clear to experienced collectors. Silver Elder fantasy Pine Tree Shillings are considerably rarer than the copper versions and command higher prices at auction. The Noe-Y designation in the standard reference ensures proper identification and prevents confusion with genuine Hull Mint products.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Silver Elder fantasies are significantly scarcer than copper versions and are prized by advanced colonial numismatists.

Cross References

Noe-Y (Elder fantasy); Noe reference: Massachusetts Silver Coinage; Original: Pine Tree Shilling 1652 (1667-1682)