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Kennedy Silver Dollar by Matthew Wright

Created by: Matthew Wright

The Kennedy Silver Dollar trick is a captivating close-up coin magic routine where a 1963 Old English penny and a 2013 Kennedy silver dollar undergo a stunning transposition. The spectator holds the penny, confirming Queen Elizabeth II's portrait, while the magician introduces the Kennedy dollar. With a simple gesture, the silver dollar's head transforms into the copper head of Queen Elizabeth, while the penny in the spectator's hand reveals the silver head of JFK. The effect is fully examinable and blends historical context with visual magic, creating a memorable and engaging experience.

Key features

  • Simple to perform with an engaging plot

  • Visual magic with a surprising climax

  • Fully examinable coins

  • Instant reset and minimal pocket space

  • Includes comedy, intrigue, and a compelling storyline

Pros

  • Easy to follow and perform

  • Highly visual and interactive

  • Comes with a fully formed, tested routine

  • Incorporates historical storytelling for added impact

Cons

  • Requires gimmicked coins (included)

  • May need practice for seamless presentation

Effect

The Kennedy Silver Dollar trick creates a striking visual transposition between two coins. The magician shows a 1963 Old English penny with Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait and a 2013 Kennedy silver dollar. After a simple gesture, the silver dollar’s face changes to Queen Elizabeth’s copper head, while the penny in the spectator’s hand transforms into a silver JFK portrait. The coins remain fully examinable, making the effect even more baffling.

Full Details

The routine uses two historically significant coins—one minted on the day of JFK’s assassination and another commemorating its 50th anniversary. The magician introduces the coins, explains their background, and lets the spectator examine them. A quick magical action causes the heads to switch places, leaving the audience stunned. The trick includes a fully scripted presentation with humor, storytelling, and audience interaction.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who enjoy storytelling and historical context in their routines. It works well for close-up performers, street magicians, and those who like interactive magic. Beginners can learn it easily, while experienced magicians will appreciate its strong impact and reset.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Kennedy Silver Dollar is simple to perform, requiring minimal sleight of hand. The gimmicked coins do most of the work, making it accessible even to those new to coin magic. The routine includes clear instructions, and the reset is instant, allowing for repeated performances.

What Magicians Say

Matthew Wright, the creator, describes it as "one of my all-time favorite coin tricks" that "ticks all the boxes." He highlights its simplicity, visual impact, and strong audience reaction. The routine has been tested in real-world performances, ensuring reliability. One spectator in the video exclaims, "No, that's not possible... that's not normal," showing how strong the effect is.

The trick combines history, humor, and magic, making it a standout piece for any performer.

What people are saying about Kennedy Silver Dollar

MurphysMagicSupplies says...

Hedex really is one of my all-time favorite coin tricks... it ticks all the boxes for what you want from a magic trick: simple, direct, an interesting hook, and a scripted routine tested thousands of times in the real world.

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