Cylinder and Coins by Tim Conover and Joshua Jay

Created by: Tim Conover, Joshua Jay

Cylinder and Coins is a classic close-up coin magic trick where coins visibly vanish and reappear inside a leather or similar tube (the cylinder), creating a series of impossible transpositions and productions that defy logic. Spectators see coins being placed into the cylinder, only to disappear and materialize elsewhere, often ending with a surprising final load, such as multiple coins appearing from an empty tube. This trick emphasizes clean handling, motivated actions, and strong visual impact, making it suitable for intimate settings like table hopping or parlour performances. Buyers should note that it requires practice to master the sleight-of-hand and timing for maximum effect, and some versions may have practicality concerns with the final load setup.

Key features

Modern take on a classic coin magic routine
Emphasizes clean, forensic handling and motivated actions
Suitable for close-up and parlour magic performances
Involves coins vanishing and reappearing inside a cylinder
Requires practice to refine timing and misdirection

Pros

Creates strong visual and impossible effects for audiences
Teaches important principles of coin magic and routine refinement
Versatile for various performance settings

Cons

May have practicality issues with the final load in some versions
Requires dedicated practice to achieve smooth execution

Effect

The Cylinder and Coins trick shows a magician placing several coins into a small leather tube or cylinder. The coins visibly vanish one by one from inside the tube. They then reappear in a surprising and impossible location, often in the magician's hand or another container. The effect is a clean and direct transposition of solid objects.

Full details

Cylinder and Coins is a classic coin magic routine that has been refined by various creators. The version by Tim Conover is noted for its forensic cleanliness and strong storytelling. Joshua Jay also created a modern take on the classic effect. The routine typically uses a small leather cylinder and a set of coins. The method relies on motivated actions and clean handling to achieve the vanishes and reappearances. The props are designed for practical use in real world performances.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is suitable for magicians interested in coin magic routines. It benefits performers who value clear visual effects and strong audience reactions. Jack Rhodes includes it for its visual impact and practicality in both live and video settings. Noel Qualter recommends it for those who appreciate masterclass level coin magic with a focus on cleanliness. It is a good choice for magicians building a repertoire of worker routines that can be performed close up.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty level of Cylinder and Coins is moderate. It requires practice to master the sleight of hand and timing. R. Paul Wilson discusses how routines like this teach the importance of clean, motivated actions through disciplined practice. The trick involves several phases that must be performed smoothly. Craig and Ryland note that while the effect is strong, some versions may have practicality concerns with certain moves, indicating that proper handling is essential. It is not a self working trick and demands dedicated rehearsal.

What magicians say

R. Paul Wilson highlights Cylinder and Coins as an example of a trick grounded in the discipline of Paul Harris, emphasizing clean methods. He states that such tricks transform from doable to devastating through iteration and refinement. Jack Rhodes says, "Cylinder and Coins features coins vanishing inside a leather tube," and includes it in his desert island list for its visual impact and versatility. Craig and Ryland note that Joshua Jay's version offers a modern take on a classic but point out some practicality issues with the final load. Noel Qualter praises Tim Conover's version, calling it "a masterclass in coin magic with forensic cleanliness and storytelling." He values its place in a repertoire focused on creating memorable moments for spectators.

What people are saying about Cylinder and Coins

Craig and Ryland says...

Cylinder & Coins modernizes a classic but has practicality concerns with the final load, though it impresses with its clean execution.

Jack Rhodes says...

Cylinder and Coins features coins vanishing inside a leather tube, making it ideal for visual impact and practicality in real-world settings.

Noel Qualter says...

Cylinder and Coins is a masterclass in coin magic with forensic cleanliness and storytelling, creating unforgettable moments for spectators.

R. Paul Wilson says...

Cylinder and Coins is grounded in the discipline of Paul Harris, teaching the importance of clean, motivated actions that transform a trick from doable to devastatingly effective.