Sleightful logoSleightful

Coins Across by David Roth, Paul Harris, Jeff Latta, Greg Petty, Craig Petty, Rajan, Ben Williams, Jay Sankey, and Tim Hill

Created by: David Roth, Paul Harris, Jeff Latta, Greg Petty, Craig Petty, Rajan, Ben Williams, Jay Sankey, Tim Hill

Coins Across is a classic close-up coin magic trick where the magician makes one or more coins visually and audibly teleport from one hand to the other, or into a spectator's hand, creating the illusion of coins magically jumping across space. In some versions, the coins may appear under a spectator's watch, in a glass, or in a specialized prop like the Quiver Wallet, enhancing the surprise. This trick is highly visual and interactive, often involving audience participation and clear storytelling to heighten the magical experience. Buyers should note that while many versions use regular, ungimmicked coins and rely on sleight of hand, some routines incorporate gimmicks like expanded shells or devices such as the 'Emergence' coin teleportation system for added impact.

Key features

  • Versatile for close-up, walk-around, and parlour settings

  • Can be performed with ungimmicked coins or specialized props

  • Emphasizes visual and audible coin travel for strong audience impact

  • Often includes interactive elements like watch steals or spectator participation

  • Requires practice in sleight of hand, palming, and misdirection

  • Adaptable to personal style with various handlings and presentations

Pros

  • Highly visual and engaging for audiences

  • No gimmicks needed in many versions, making it practical and impromptu

  • Strong finale potential, such as coins appearing under a watch or in a glass

  • Versatile across different performance settings and skill levels

  • Encourages audience interaction and storytelling

Cons

  • Requires significant practice to execute smoothly and deceptively

  • Some routines depend on spectator cooperation, which can be unpredictable

  • Angles and timing are critical, making it challenging for beginners

  • Gimmicked versions may limit impromptu use or require additional props

Effect

Coins Across shows three or four coins visibly jumping from one hand to the other. The coins appear to teleport one by one. The routine often ends with a surprise, such as a coin appearing under a spectator's watch or a final coin producing a stolen item. The effect is visual and direct, making it clear to the audience that coins are magically moving across space.

Full details

Coins Across is a classic coin magic routine. Performers use regular coins without gimmicks in many versions. The routine involves holding coins in one hand and making them vanish to reappear in the other hand. Some performers use an expanded shell or special props like the Quiver Wallet for added visual impact. The method relies on sleight of hand, misdirection, and timing. Routines can be adapted for close-up or walk-around settings. The structure often builds to a strong finale, such as a watch steal or a personalized souvenir for the spectator.

Who should consider the trick

This trick suits close-up magicians and strolling performers. It works well for those who perform at restaurants, weddings, or parties. Magicians who enjoy interactive routines with audience participation will find it effective. It is also good for performers looking to add a classic, visual coin routine to their set. Ben Williams notes it is versatile for diverse settings like weddings and corporate events.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Coins Across requires practice to execute smoothly. Basic versions need proficiency in coin sleights like the Classic Palm and False Transfer. Rajan mentions that the trick needs practice to perform without hesitation. Some versions, like those involving watch steals, demand more skill. Craig Petty notes that timing and misdirection are crucial. The trick is manageable for intermediate magicians but offers depth for experts to refine.

What magicians say

Craig Petty describes Coins Across as a foundational part of coin magic, praising its visual clarity. Rajan highlights the strong finish where a coin appears under a spectator's watch, calling it a full-circle moment. Ben Williams uses Coins Across to create a personalized photo souvenir, emphasizing its impact. Mike Sullivan prefers using a variety of coin sizes for adaptability. Harry Nardi values the routine for its visual and interactive qualities in professional gigs.

What people are saying about Coins Across

Ben Williams says...

His handling of Coins Across is designed to escalate cleanly, building in impact. It culminates in a personalized photo souvenir, adding a lasting, tangible element to the magic.

Craig Petty says...

The 'coin on shoulder' move in 'Coins Across' is highlighted for its effectiveness. [...] Craig emphasizes the importance of audience engagement and routine pacing.

Harry Nardi says...

Coins Across is a classic, visual coin routine. Each trick is selected for its versatility, audience engagement, and performance value.

James Brown says...

Coins Across is chosen not for its methods, but for its ability to create powerful emotional and psychological experiences. He believes that when a moment of magic is strong enough, the method becomes irrelevant to the spectator.

Jay Sankey says...

For 'Coins Across,' he explains how to make coins visually jump from one hand to the other, using techniques like the Classic Palm and False Transfer.

Mike Sullivan says...

Sullivan utilizes a gimmicked coin routine, appreciating the visual impact and audience reaction. He prefers using a variety of coin sizes, adapting to the situation.

Rajan says...

No gimmicks used in the routine. Finale involves the coin appearing under the spectator's watch. Patter ties the trick together with a full-circle moment.

R. Paul Wilson says...

Coins Across is highlighted as being grounded in the discipline of Paul Harris, teaching the importance of clean, motivated actions.

Tim Hill says...

'Emergence' allows a magician to make a coin vanish from their hand and then seemingly teleport it into a glass, even one located across the stage. Hill highlights its suitability as a powerful closer for routines like Coins Across.

Performance videos

Review videos

Promotional videos

Tutorial videos

Other videos