NNP

Fantasy.  A numismatic or medallic item created by whim or whimsy; an imitation of a coin or medal which overall looks genuine but when studied is not what it purports at all, often conveying some humor or satirical intent. A fantasy is not a forgery, the designer tries to be as close to some original coin or medal, or what an original coin or medal should have been, but changes the design to impart satire. A fantasy is also not an evasion (which changes the design only enough to escape counterfeiting laws). Fantasy items are a numismatic class unto themselves.

Reference:                                                                                                                               

NE42 {1982} Doty, p 132-133.

excerpted with permission from

An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology

For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON

Roger W. Burdette, Editor