Coin in Bottle by Michael John

Effect

The 'Coin in Bottle' trick presents a coin visibly penetrating a sealed bottle with a narrow opening. The magician first attempts to drop the coin into the bottle using a funnel, but it appears impossible. With a shake or magical gesture, the coin suddenly appears inside the bottle. The effect is quick, visual, and leaves spectators baffled by the impossible penetration.

Full Details

The trick involves a standard bottle with a narrow neck, a coin, and sometimes a funnel for misdirection. The method is simple but relies on precise timing and handling to maintain the illusion. Some versions, like Michael John’s 'Pretty Penny,' offer a cleaner finish where the bottle remains examinable. Craig Petty’s routine enhances the effect by using a gravity flipper to create a multi-phase routine where multiple coins appear inside the bottle sequentially.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who want a fast, visual effect for close-up or street performances. It works well for beginners due to its straightforward method, but experienced performers can expand it into a more elaborate routine. Those who enjoy coin magic or need a quick, impactful trick will find it useful.

Difficulty

The basic version is easy to learn and perform, requiring minimal sleight of hand. However, advanced routines like Petty’s gravity flipper method demand more practice to handle smoothly. The trick’s simplicity makes it accessible, but mastering the timing and misdirection elevates its impact.

What Magicians Say

AlakazamMagicUK describes it as "visually surprising and quick to perform," noting that while the method may be familiar to some, the effect remains strong for most audiences. Penguin Magic includes it in a list of top-tier coin tricks, praising its deceptive technique. Craig Petty’s tutorial highlights the potential for expanding the trick into a multi-phase routine, emphasizing the need for practice to avoid mishaps.

The 'Coin in Bottle' trick is a reliable, visually striking effect that fits well in any magician’s repertoire, whether as a standalone piece or part of a larger routine.