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Nailed by Rich Marotta

Created by: Rich Marotta

Nailed by Rich Marotta is a visually striking close-up magic trick where a coin appears to stick to the performer's forehead, only to reveal a nail welded to the back of the coin, creating a shocking and puzzling effect. The trick is examinable, safe, and suitable for walk-around and close-up performances, with favorable angles of 160 to 170 degrees. It's a quick, visual, and highly deceptive trick that requires minimal sleight of hand, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels.

Where to buy

Nailed from Ellusionist
EllusionistNailed$8.96
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Nailed by Rich Marotta from Monster Magic
Monster MagicNailed by Rich Marotta£29.99
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Nailed by Rich Marotta from Magicbox
MagicboxNailed by Rich Marotta£35.99
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Key features

  • Uses a custom gimmicked coin with a nail permanently attached

  • Examinable and safe for spectators

  • Quick reset for repeated performances

  • Suitable for walk-around and close-up magic

  • Minimal sleight of hand required

  • Durable and professionally crafted

Pros

  • High visual impact

  • Easy to perform

  • Quick reset

  • Examinable by spectators

  • Great for all skill levels

  • Portable and easy to carry

Cons

  • Reliance on a gimmick may limit impromptu performances

  • Quick ending may require presentation adjustments

  • Not suitable for every performance style

Effect

The trick Nailed by Rich Marotta creates a surprising visual illusion. A magician places a coin on their forehead, and it appears to stick there. When they remove the coin, a nail is visibly attached to it, as if the nail had been driven through their head. The effect is quick, visual, and leaves audiences puzzled.

Full Details

Nailed uses a custom gimmick—a real quarter with a nail permanently soldered to the back. The gimmick is durable and examinable, allowing spectators to inspect the coin after the trick. No sleight of hand is required, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The reset is instant, making it practical for repeated performances. The trick works well in walk-around and close-up settings, with angles ranging from 160 to 170 degrees.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Close-up and walk-around magicians who need quick, visual effects.
  • Comedy performers who enjoy absurd or shocking moments.
  • Beginners looking for an easy-to-learn trick with strong reactions.
  • Social media magicians who want a striking visual for short clips.

Difficulty

Nailed is rated as easy to perform. The gimmick does most of the work, and no advanced sleight of hand is needed. The included tutorial is concise, covering handling, performance tips, and reset.

What Magicians Say

  • BAM_magic calls it "a clever and deceptive coin gimmick" with a "visually stunning result." They note its examinable nature and quick reset.
  • ChrisEdwardsMagic praises its shock value, calling it "a modern take on the classic forehead gag" with a "jaw-dropping twist."
  • penguinmagictricks5930 highlights its portability and durability, stating it’s "perfect for casual or formal performances."
  • SankeyMagic mentions its surreal effect but notes the reliance on a gimmick may limit impromptu use.
  • magicorthodoxy includes it in a list of high-impact tricks, suggesting it works well for bizarre or visual performers.

Overall, reviewers agree that Nailed is a strong, visual trick with minimal handling and maximum impact.

What people are saying about Nailed

BAM_magic says...

It allows you to stick a coin to your forehead with a hidden nail gimmick. The device is examinable and safe. Great for walk-around and close-up magic with angles of 160 to 170 degrees.

ChrisEdwardsMagic says...

If you're looking for a **quick, baffling, and conversation-starting effect**, *Nailed* delivers—just be mindful of where you store it (the nail is sharp!).

monstermagicshop says...

Kirk’s honesty would highlight its strengths and potential pitfalls.

penguinmagicshop says...

A visually stunning coin trick that's fully examinable.

penguinmagictricks5930 says...

Rich Marotta’s *Nailed* is a brilliant update to a classic coin illusion. The creator loves how it transforms a basic prop into a mind-blowing moment with zero sleight of hand.

SankeyMagic says...

The trick is simple to perform but packs a visual punch, and it even includes a bonus where a borrowed dollar bill can switch places with a selected card.

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