Headaches by Matthew Wright

Effect

"Headaches" by Matthew Wright is a visually striking coin transposition trick. The magician presents two coins—one featuring Queen Elizabeth and the other President Kennedy. After a brief, engaging story about the coins, the magician has a spectator hold one while the other remains in their own hand. With a simple rub, the faces of the coins transpose: the Queen’s head appears on the Kennedy coin, and Kennedy’s head appears on the spectator’s coin. The effect is clean, surprising, and leaves the audience with a memorable moment.

Full Details

The trick includes specially designed coins—one resembling a British penny (Queen Elizabeth) and the other a U.S. half-dollar (Kennedy). The routine is structured around storytelling, making the examination of the coins feel natural and engaging. The method is straightforward, requiring minimal sleight of hand, and the coins can be reset quickly for repeated performances.

While the trick doesn’t include a coin purse, reviewers note that using one (such as the "Coin Purse 3" from C.T.C. or a similar model) can enhance the presentation by providing a clean way to introduce and store the coins.

Who Should Consider the Trick

• Close-up and walkaround performers – The trick is compact and fits easily in a pocket.
• Beginners – The method is simple, making it accessible even to those new to coin magic.
• Storytellers – The routine lends itself well to performers who enjoy weaving narratives into their magic.
• Coin magic enthusiasts – While not technically demanding, the effect is strong and can complement other coin routines.

Difficulty

"Headaches" is rated as easy to perform, with minimal sleight of hand required. The trick relies more on presentation than complex moves, making it suitable for beginners. Reviewer Mark T. from Saturn Magic describes it as something a "beginner could do in no time at all."

What Magicians Say

• Mark T. (Saturn Magic) – "I loved it—love the simplicity of it, love the look of the coins, love the idea of the routine... great, practical walkaround, takes up very little pocket space."
• Performance Tip – While a coin purse isn’t essential, it can help streamline the routine.
• Engagement – The trick’s storytelling aspect makes it more than just a visual effect; it creates a connection with the audience.

"Headaches" is a well-received trick that combines strong visuals with an engaging presentation, making it a solid choice for performers looking for a quick, impactful coin effect.