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Expanded Shells by David Roth

Created by: David Roth

Expanded Shells is a classic coin magic trick where a coin appears to pass through a solid glass, creating a visually stunning and deceptive illusion. The effect relies on the use of expanded shells—special gimmicked coins that allow for clean vanishes and appearances. This is a close-up magic routine that requires two solid glasses and two coins (one with an expanded shell). The performance is quick but packs a powerful punch, making it ideal for both casual and professional settings. Buyers should note that mastering shell handling and classic palm techniques is essential for this trick to work convincingly.

Key features

  • Requires expanded shells and solid glasses

  • Emphasizes classic palm and shell handling techniques

  • Quick performance with high visual impact

  • Ideal for close-up magic

Pros

  • Highly deceptive and visually striking

  • Quick to perform once mastered

  • Teaches fundamental coin magic skills

  • Created by legendary magician David Roth

Cons

  • Requires practice to handle shells smoothly

  • Not suitable for beginners without prior coin magic experience

Effect

The Expanded Shells trick creates the illusion of a coin passing through a solid glass. The magician shows two coins and two glasses, placing one coin into each glass. With a snap of the fingers, one coin visually penetrates the bottom of its glass and appears in the other, leaving a coin in each glass. The effect is quick, visual, and deceptive, making it a strong piece of close-up magic.

Full Details

The trick relies on expanded shells, a specialized coin gimmick that allows for clean vanishes and appearances. The magician uses two coins—one covered by an expanded shell and one regular. The routine involves key sleights:

  • Finger Palm to Classic Palm: The magician transfers a coin from finger palm to classic palm, a fundamental skill in coin magic.
  • Shell Handling: Proper control of the expanded shell prevents premature exposure and ensures smooth execution.
  • Misdirection: The magician uses natural movements to conceal the shell and enhance the illusion.

The performance is fast, taking less than a minute, but requires precise timing and handling. David Roth, a master coin magician, created this effect, and his influence is evident in the deceptive simplicity of the routine.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Intermediate to advanced magicians familiar with coin sleights like palming and shell work.
  • Performers who want a quick, visual effect that plays well in close-up settings.
  • Coin magic enthusiasts looking to expand their repertoire with a classic Roth routine.

Beginners may find the shell handling challenging but can still benefit from learning the foundational techniques.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The trick requires practice, particularly in:

  • Classic Palm: Transferring the coin smoothly from finger palm to classic palm while holding other objects.
  • Shell Retention: Keeping the shell concealed until the right moment.
  • Timing: Executing the moves quickly and naturally to maintain deception.

Beau Creer notes that while the explanation is detailed, the performance itself is brief, making it a strong effect for those willing to put in the work.

What Magicians Say

  • Beau Creer (MurphysMagicSupplies) calls it a "genuine eye-popper" and emphasizes the importance of proper shell handling. He states, "David Roth loved this effect," highlighting its deceptive power.
  • David Roth’s Ultimate Coins Across (another expanded shell routine) is praised for its "impeccable timing" and "natural choreography," showing the versatility of expanded shells in coin magic.

The consensus is that this is a visually striking trick that rewards practice, making it a valuable addition to a magician’s toolkit.

What people are saying about Expanded Shells

Beau Creer says...

The routine is designed to be deceptive, with the coin appearing to vanish and reappear seemingly instantaneously. [...] David Roth, a master coin magician, created this effect.

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

Roth’s handling is a masterclass in misdirection and natural choreography, making the impossible seem effortless.

Performance videos

Tutorial videos