Confusing Coins by Jim Boyd

Created by: Jim Boyd

Confusing Coins is a close-up coin magic trick where two different denomination coins—typically a larger coin like a £2 or 10p and a smaller coin like a 2p—visually and impossibly transpose places or appear to vanish and reappear at will. The magician presents the coins, secretly removes one, and asks the spectator to guess which coin remains; regardless of the guess, both coins are revealed to still be present, creating a moment of playful deception and surprise. Rooted in historical con games, this trick is ideal for casual settings like pubs, encourages audience interaction (e.g., wagering drinks), and uses examinable coins with no hidden compartments, making it fair and baffling. It's easy to learn, with a relaxed, conversational performance style recommended, and is suitable for beginners and experienced magicians alike.

Key features

Uses two examinable coins (e.g., £2 and 2p or 10p and 2p)
Rooted in historical con games for storytelling potential
Easy to learn, reportedly in 15 minutes
Minimal setup and no hidden coins or compartments
Ideal for close-up magic in casual settings like pubs
Encourages audience interaction and participation
Relies on misdirection and presentation over complex moves

Pros

Strong visual impact and baffling effect for spectators
Quick to learn and perform with minimal practice
Versatile for beginners and experienced magicians
Examinable coins build trust with skeptical audiences
Engaging storytelling opportunities

Cons

May not impress seasoned magicians familiar with coin techniques
Limited appeal primarily to coin magic enthusiasts
Requires specific coin denominations for optimal effect

Effect

The Confusing Coins trick uses two different coins, such as a Two Pound coin and a Two Pence coin. The magician shows both coins to the audience. One coin seems to secretly disappear. A spectator is asked to guess which coin remains in the magician's hand. No matter what the spectator guesses, the magician reveals that both coins are still there. This creates a moment of surprise and confusion for the audience.

Full details

Confusing Coins is a close-up coin magic routine. It is a visual transposition effect where the coins appear to switch places or vanish and reappear. The trick uses standard British currency coins. The method does not require hidden coins or secret compartments. The coins can be examined by the audience after the trick. The routine is rooted in historical con games, which can add a storytelling element to the performance. The full tutorial teaches all necessary moves and presentation tips.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for beginners in coin magic. It requires minimal setup and is easy to learn. Experienced magicians may also enjoy it for quick, informal performances. It works well in casual settings like pubs or social gatherings. The trick is best for magicians who perform close-up magic and want a strong visual effect. It is particularly effective for engaging with small groups or individual spectators.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Confusing Coins is easy to perform. The creator, Jim Boyd, states that you can learn it in about 15 minutes. It uses simple sleight of hand and relies on misdirection. The handling is straightforward, with no complex moves required. It is suitable for performers with basic coin magic skills. The trick emphasizes presentation over difficult techniques.

What magicians say

AlakazamMagicUK notes that Confusing Coins is "great for beginners" and creates a "mind-bending effect." They mention it is "easy to perform with minimal setup" and results in a "strong audience reaction." Another review calls it a "strong, visual piece of coin magic" that is "particularly effective for close-up performances." Craig Petty includes it in his Mirage Coin Set Extreme, highlighting that it "allows for examinable coins, great for skeptical audiences." Jim Boyd himself recommends a "relaxed and conversational performance style" and says the trick is "ideal for beginners and experienced magicians alike."

What people are saying about Confusing Coins

AlakazamMagicUK says...

The 'Confusing Coins' trick uses a 10p and 2p coin to create a mind-bending effect where the coins seem to vanish or switch places at will. [...] While the method is straightforward, the visual confusion it creates is impressive.

AlakazamMagicUK (Live Stream) says...

The hosts break down popular tricks like 'Confusing Coins,' offering honest insights on each. [...] It's a must-watch for anyone who loves practical, pocket-sized magic.

AlakazamMagicUK (Review Show) says...

This is a coin magic routine where two different denomination coins—a £2 coin and a 2p coin—visually and impossibly transpose places. The effect is highlighted as a strong, visual piece of coin magic that relies on a clever gimmick.

Craig Petty says...

Confusing Coins is a hopping halves variation with examinable coins, great for skeptical audiences. [...] Pros include examinable coins, no-move solutions, and seamless transitions between tricks.

Jim Boyd says...

The trick is easy to learn, claiming performers can be ready in just 15 minutes. [...] He stresses the importance of misdirection and presentation, noting that the effect appears deceptive despite its simplicity.

Phill Evans says...

He highlights the potential of Coin Unique, suggesting it can be more than just a basic gaff coin when combined with Alakazam’s Confusing Coins for a 'Birds of a Feather' routine.