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Impossibilia by John Carey

Created by: John Carey

Impossibilia is a captivating close-up coin magic routine where the magician performs a series of impossible transformations with coins, culminating in them magically appearing inside a small purse. The trick combines classic techniques like the French Drop, Bobo's Coin Switch, and Ramsey Subtlety with modern misdirection and presentation. Spectators witness coins change color, vanish, and reappear in unexpected places, creating a mind-blowing experience. This is ideal for close-up performers looking for a visually stunning and interactive routine.

Key features

  • Combines multiple classic coin techniques into one seamless routine

  • Uses contrasting coin colors for maximum visual impact

  • Includes detailed performance tips on misdirection and audience connection

  • Features a deceptive presentation that enhances the illusion

  • Everything is examinable at the end

Pros

  • Highly visual and engaging for audiences

  • Teaches valuable misdirection and presentation skills

  • Uses common coin magic principles in a unique way

  • Reset is quick and easy for repeated performances

Cons

  • Requires practice to master the timing and subtleties

  • May need custom gaff coins for optimal performance

Effect

Impossibilia is a coin magic routine that creates the illusion of coins transforming and vanishing before reappearing inside a small purse. The magician starts with a single coin, which changes color and type multiple times. The coins then vanish one by one, only to be found inside the purse at the end. The routine combines visual transformations, vanishes, and a surprising finale where the coins reappear in an impossible location.

Full Details

The trick uses a combination of classic coin sleights and misdirection techniques. Key moves include:

  • Bobo’s Coin Switch – A deceptive way to secretly exchange one coin for another.
  • Ramsey Subtlety – A method of concealing a coin while drawing attention elsewhere.
  • Michael Skinner’s Spider Grip Vanish – A vanish that makes a coin disappear cleanly.
  • French Drop – A classic vanish, used here in a deceptive way.
  • Hand Wash – A misdirection technique learned from John Bannon’s Impossibilia.

The routine also relies on a gaff coin (a copper-silver hybrid) and a Chinese coin with a hole in the center. The magician emphasizes the importance of contrast in coin colors for maximum visual impact.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for:

  • Intermediate to advanced magicians – Some foundational coin sleight-of-hand is required.
  • Performers who enjoy storytelling – The trick can be framed as a journey across different countries.
  • Close-up and table magicians – The effect works well in intimate settings.

Difficulty

The trick requires practice to master the timing and misdirection. The sleights themselves are not overly complex, but smooth execution is key. John Carey notes that the routine is "surprisingly easy to do" once the techniques are understood, but emphasizes the importance of audience connection and presentation.

What Magicians Say

John Carey highlights the importance of misdirection and audience engagement:

"It's not the magic at the beginning—you have to introduce yourself to the people... that 30-40 seconds is important because it establishes a connection."

He also stresses the value of contrast in coins:

"Make sure there's a contrast in the coins... some of the mass-produced copper-silver coins, the penny is very bright, almost like brass, and in some lighting, you cannot differentiate between silver and copper."

The routine is praised for its versatility and strong audience reactions. Carey describes it as a great icebreaker and a testament to the power of combining classic techniques with engaging presentation.

For magicians looking for a visually striking coin routine with a strong finish, Impossibilia offers a compelling option.

What people are saying about Impossibilia

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

John Carey's 'Triple Spellbound Coins to Purse' routine is a testament to the power of combining classic techniques with engaging presentation. The contrast in coin colors and the emphasis on misdirection make this a must-learn for coin magicians.

Tutorial videos