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Floating Bill by Oscar Owen

Created by: Oscar Owen

The Floating Bill is a close-up magic trick where a banknote appears to float in mid-air, defying gravity. The illusion is created using a simple coin, which provides the necessary weight to balance the bill on the performer's thumb. The trick is highly accessible, requiring no specialized props—just a regular bill and a coin. It's perfect for impromptu performances and works well in casual settings like restaurants or parties. The method relies on clever misdirection and natural assumptions about how a bill should behave, making it a strong visual illusion with minimal setup.

Key features

  • Uses everyday objects (bill and coin)

  • No sleight of hand required

  • Instant reset for repeated performances

  • Strong visual impact with minimal effort

  • Bill can be handed out for inspection after the trick

Pros

  • Easy to learn and perform

  • Highly portable

  • Works in impromptu settings

  • Strong audience reaction

Cons

  • Requires careful handling of the coin to avoid exposure

  • Limited to close-up performances

Effect

The Floating Bill trick creates the illusion of a banknote floating in mid-air. A magician folds a bill in half and places a coin on one edge. When balanced on the thumb, the bill appears to hover without support. The coin's weight makes the effect convincing. After the illusion, the bill can be handed out for inspection with no sign of the method.

Full Details

The trick uses a standard banknote and a coin. The magician folds the bill in half and positions the coin on one edge. The coin's weight allows the bill to balance on the thumb, creating the floating effect. Misdirection is key when concealing the coin before inspection. The bill can be freely examined afterward. No special props are needed, making it an easy impromptu trick.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits beginners and experienced magicians. It works well for close-up performances, street magic, or casual settings. Since it requires only a bill and a coin, it is ideal for impromptu situations. Magicians who enjoy visual, quick-hitting illusions will find this appealing.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Floating Bill is simple to learn. The method relies on basic physics rather than complex sleight of hand. The main challenge is smooth misdirection when hiding the coin. With minimal practice, most performers can execute it convincingly.

What Magicians Say

Oscar Owen describes it as "a really fun trick that you can just do with a regular bill." He emphasizes its inspectability, saying, "everything can be inspected." Kevin James adapted the concept for larger audiences by using a paper rose instead of a bill, proving its versatility. The simplicity and strong visual impact make it a favorite among performers.

What people are saying about Floating Bill

Kevin James says...

I had a pretty good floating bill routine for the restaurants, and I thought, well, maybe I could make that bigger somehow.

Oscar Owen says...

This is a really fun trick that you can just do with a regular bill. [...] The bill will basically appear to float like this, and everything can be inspected.

Scott Perry says...

The reset is instant, making it ideal for impromptu performances. Angles are forgiving, but lighting can be a challenge.

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