Sleightful logoSleightful

Nailed by Rich Marotta

Created by: Rich Marotta

Nailed is a close-up coin magic trick where a spectator sees a quarter placed on the performer's forehead, seemingly sticking there as if by magic. The magician then claims there's a nail soldered to the back of the coin, and when they remove it with one hand, a real, inch-and-a-half-long nail is visibly protruding from the quarter, creating the illusion that it was piercing the forehead. This visual and shocking effect is examinable by spectators, requires no sleight of hand or pre-show work, and is ideal for walk-around, strolling, or social media performances. Buyers should note that it uses a custom gimmick made from a real quarter with a permanently attached nail, making it durable but not impromptu.

Where to buy

Nailed from Ellusionist
EllusionistNailed$8.96
🇺🇸
Shop
Nailed by Rich Marotta from Monster Magic
Monster MagicNailed by Rich Marotta£29.99
🇬🇧
Shop
Nailed by Rich Marotta from Magicbox
MagicboxNailed by Rich Marotta£35.99
🇬🇧
Shop

Key features

  • Uses a precision-made gimmick from real currency for realism and durability

  • No sleight of hand required, making it accessible for all skill levels

  • Instant reset and nearly angle-proof, ideal for repeated performances

  • Examinable by spectators after the effect

  • Portable and easy to carry, though care is needed due to the sharp nail

  • Comes with a concise tutorial covering handling, performance tips, and reset

Pros

  • High visual impact and shock value

  • Easy to learn and perform with minimal practice

  • Quick reset allows for back-to-back performances

  • Favorable angles (160-170 degrees) suit close-up and walk-around magic

  • Durable construction with a professionally soldered nail

Cons

  • Effect is quick and may require strong presentation to avoid being seen as a puzzle

  • Relies on a gimmick, limiting impromptu use

  • Sharp nail requires careful handling and storage

Effect

The Nailed trick creates a surprising visual moment. A magician places a coin on their forehead. The coin appears to stick there. The magician then removes the coin with one hand. A long nail is now seen attached to the back of the coin. It looks like the nail was piercing the magician's head the entire time.

Full details

Nailed is a magic device created by Rich Marotta. It uses a special coin. A real quarter is modified with a nail permanently attached to one side. This gimmick is professionally made and looks authentic. The magician can show the coin before the trick. The coin can also be examined by spectators after the performance. The method requires no sleight of hand. The trick resets quickly. It is suitable for close-up and walk-around performances. The angles are very good, working for most viewers except someone directly behind the performer.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is good for magicians who perform walk-around or close-up magic. It is ideal for performers who want a quick, visual effect. Comedy magicians may like its surprising and slightly bizarre nature. It is also suitable for social media performances due to its strong visual impact. Beginners can perform it because no advanced skill is needed. Working professionals may use it as a powerful opener to grab attention.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Nailed is very easy to perform. The method is self-working. No sleight of hand is required. The tutorial is short, about ten minutes long. It covers handling, performance tips, and reset. A magician can learn and start performing the trick quickly. The physical handling is simple and safe.

What magicians say

Reviewers praise the quality and impact of Nailed. Chris Edwards states the gimmick is "precision-made from real currency, ensuring durability and realism." He also notes it is "nearly angle-proof" and has an "instant reset." A reviewer from BAM Magic says the trick is "examinable and safe" with "great angles" making it "practical for repeated performances." They rate it highly for its originality. Alex Kirk provides "honest and enthusiastic" reviews, indicating strong positive feedback for the trick's visual nature. Jay Sankey notes the trick is "simple to perform but packs a visual punch." Multiple reviewers, including from magic-tv, highlight that Nailed requires "no pre-show work" and has a "strong, clean revelation."

What people are saying about Nailed

Alex Kirk says...

Kirk’s honesty would highlight its strengths and potential pitfalls. His casual yet insightful style encourages magicians to think about how they perform, not just what they perform.

BAM_magic says...

The device is examinable and safe. Great for walk-around and close-up magic with angles of 160 to 170 degrees. Quick reset makes it practical for repeated performances.

Chris Edwards says...

Chris loved the quality and deceptive simplicity of the gimmick. At $30, he considers it a worthwhile investment, especially for those who enjoy high-impact, visual magic.

Craig Petty says...

They highlighted the strong, clean revelation and the fact that it requires no pre-show work. They appreciated the directness of the method and the impact of the final moment.

Eric Tait says...

Seeing an alternate handling of a classic like Nailed can be a great source of inspiration for performers looking to refine their own presentations or add a new layer of polish to an existing effect.

Jay Sankey 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.

Nick Locapo says...

Nailed by Rich Marotta, a visually stunning coin trick that's fully examinable. Each pick is celebrated for its creativity, ease of use, and ability to wow audiences.

Performance videos

Review videos

Promotional videos

Other videos