Coin In Ear by Jay Sankey

Effect

The Coin In Ear trick is a visually striking and humorous effect where a borrowed coin vanishes from the magician's hands and mysteriously reappears inside their ear. The magician can even repeat the effect, making the coin disappear and reappear multiple times, much to the audience's astonishment. The trick often ends with the magician removing the coin from their ear and handing it back to the spectator, who can verify it’s the same marked coin they borrowed.

Full details

The Coin In Ear trick relies on a combination of sleight of hand, misdirection, and natural movements. The magician begins by borrowing a coin, which can be marked by the spectator for added impact. Using a false transfer or shuttle pass, the coin appears to vanish from one hand. The magician then draws attention to their ear, where the coin is revealed to have magically traveled. The trick can be repeated by using a switch or another vanish technique, making it seem like the coin keeps reappearing in the ear. The final reveal involves the magician removing the coin and returning it to the spectator.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for magicians who perform in casual, close-up settings, such as parties, bars, or social gatherings. It’s particularly effective for those who enjoy incorporating humor into their routines, as the idea of a coin appearing in the ear is inherently funny. Beginners can also consider this trick, as it uses foundational sleight-of-hand techniques that are relatively easy to learn but require practice to perform smoothly.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Coin In Ear trick is moderately easy to learn but requires practice to master the timing and misdirection. The sleights involved, such as the shuttle pass and false transfer, are fundamental in coin magic, making this a good trick for those looking to build their coin magic skills. However, the challenge lies in making the movements look natural and convincing, especially when drawing attention to the ear. With consistent practice, most magicians can perform this trick effectively.

What magicians say

Jay Sankey describes the Coin In Ear trick as "one of the strangest, most outrageous, most unforgettable coin tricks" he’s ever created. He emphasizes the importance of natural movements and misdirection, noting that the trick works best when performed casually and with humor. Sankey also highlights the value of using a marked coin, as it adds an extra layer of mystery and bafflement for the audience. He advises practicing the sleights in front of a mirror to ensure the movements look smooth and convincing. Overall, magicians appreciate this trick for its simplicity, visual impact, and ability to engage audiences in a lighthearted way.