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Coins to Purse by John Carey

Created by: John Carey

In 'Coins to Purse,' a captivating close-up magic trick, the magician performs a series of mesmerizing coin transformations before magically producing them inside a small purse. The routine combines elements of Spellbound coin magic with deceptive presentation, using coins of contrasting colors (copper and silver) for maximum visual impact. The effect culminates with the coins appearing inside the purse, leaving the audience in awe. This trick is perfect for close-up performances and requires a gaff coin, a small purse, and standard coins.

Key features

  • Combines Spellbound coin magic with a deceptive presentation

  • Uses contrasting coin colors (copper and silver) for visual impact

  • Incorporates classic techniques like Bobo's Coin Switch and Ramsey Subtlety

  • Ideal for close-up performances

  • Requires a gaff coin and a small purse

Pros

  • Highly visual and engaging

  • Versatile for various performance settings

  • Strong audience connection potential

  • Detailed tutorial available

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the techniques

  • Needs specific props (gaff coin, purse)

Effect

The "Coins to Purse" trick by John Carey creates the illusion of coins magically appearing inside a small purse. The performer starts by showing an empty purse, then produces coins from different parts of the world—Australia, America, and China—one after another. The coins visually change in the performer's hands before finally being revealed inside the purse, which was seemingly empty moments earlier. The routine blends sleight of hand with strong misdirection, making the coins appear to travel invisibly into the purse.

Full Details

The trick combines classic coin techniques with a clever presentation. Key elements include:

  • Gaff Coin: A custom copper-silver coin is used for visual contrast.
  • Spellbound Routine: The coins visually change in the performer's hands before the final reveal.
  • Misdirection: Eye contact, gestures, and storytelling guide the audience's attention away from sleights.
  • Purse Load: The coins secretly remain inside the purse throughout, creating a perception-based illusion.

John Carey emphasizes the importance of presentation, suggesting that the trick works best when the performer establishes a connection with the audience before performing.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for:

  • Close-up magicians who want a strong, visual coin routine.
  • Performers who enjoy storytelling—the trick allows for engaging presentations about travel or history.
  • Intermediate to advanced magicians comfortable with coin sleights like the Bobo Switch and French Drop.

Difficulty

The trick requires proficiency in several coin techniques:

  • Bobo’s Coin Switch
  • Ramsey Subtlety (for hiding coins in plain sight)
  • Michael Skinner’s Spider Grip Vanish
  • French Drop (used deceptively)
  • Hand Wash (for misdirection)

While not beginner-friendly, the routine is structured so that each move flows naturally into the next. John Carey notes that with practice, the sleights become almost automatic.

What Magicians Say

John Carey highlights the importance of audience connection before performing:

"It's not the magic at the beginning—you have to introduce yourself to the people... that 30-40 seconds is important because it establishes a connection."

He also stresses misdirection:

"If you want somebody to look at something, you look at it. If you want somebody to look at you, look at them."

The trick’s strength lies in its perception-based illusion—audiences often describe the coins as "flying into the purse," even though the method is more deceptive.

For magicians who enjoy combining classic techniques with engaging presentation, "Coins to Purse" offers a powerful and versatile routine.

What people are saying about Coins to Purse

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

Carey emphasizes the importance of connecting with an audience before performing magic, suggesting a friendly introduction and establishing rapport as crucial elements of a successful performance.

Tutorial videos