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Nickels to Dimes by Lloyd Barnes

Created by: Lloyd Barnes

Pro Caps by Lloyd Barnes is a modern twist on the classic 'Nickels to Dimes' effect, cleverly disguised as an ordinary bottle cap. This close-up magic trick allows for vanishes, productions, and transpositions of coins, offering a fresh and organic approach to coin magic. The set includes two caps (red Coca-Cola and blue water-style) and a redesigned 'bang ring' to mimic a safety seal, accompanied by a comprehensive 2.5+ hour tutorial by Craig Petty featuring multiple routines.

Key features

  • Transforms 'Nickels to Dimes' into an organic bottle cap effect

  • Includes two caps and a redesigned 'bang ring'

  • Comes with a 2.5+ hour tutorial by Craig Petty

  • Features routines like 'Torn Transpo', a hybrid of 'Angle Z' and 'Pro Caps'

  • Organic feel with the prop looking like a real bottle cap

  • Angle sensitivity varies by routine

  • Caps can be examined pre- or post-routine

Pros

  • Fresh take on classic coin magic

  • Organic and everyday object premise

  • Comprehensive tutorial included

  • Allows for vanishes, productions, and transpositions of coins

Cons

  • Visible seam at the base of the cap

  • Angle sensitivity in some routines

  • Bang ring mechanics can feel unnatural

  • Coin mismatch with U.S. quarters

Effect

The Nickels to Dimes trick, reimagined as Pro Caps, makes coins vanish, appear, or change places inside ordinary-looking bottle caps. The audience sees a performer casually handling a bottle cap, only to witness coins disappear, reappear, or transform in impossible ways. The effect blends everyday objects with magic, making it feel organic and unexpected.

Full Details

Pro Caps includes two bottle caps (red Coca-Cola and blue water-style) and a redesigned "bang ring" that mimics a safety seal. The set comes with a 2.5+ hour tutorial by Craig Petty, featuring multiple routines. One standout routine, Torn Transpo, combines elements of Angle Z and Pro Caps for a deceptive transposition effect.

The caps can be examined before or after the routine, but performers should be cautious when coins are vanished due to weight changes. The silver gimmick does not perfectly match U.S. quarters, creating a slight visual discrepancy. UK 10p coins (fully silver) are suggested for a seamless appearance.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick suits magicians who want a fresh take on Nickels to Dimes using everyday objects. It works well for performers comfortable with angle management and willing to adapt their presentation. Those who prefer classic coin magic without the bottle-cap premise may find it less appealing.

Difficulty

The trick requires practice to manage angles and timing. Some routines are near-angle-proof, while others need careful audience positioning. The "bang ring" mechanics involve forceful table taps, which may feel unnatural at first. Performers should rehearse handling the caps smoothly to avoid revealing the seam at the base.

What Magicians Say

Tyler Lunsford praises the organic feel of Pro Caps, noting that it avoids the "magic prop" stigma of traditional Nickels to Dimes. However, he points out drawbacks, including the visible seam on the caps and the unnatural mechanics of the bang ring. He suggests that a more refined version could improve the effect.

Tyler highlights Torn Transpo as a standout routine but cautions that the trick is situational. He recommends it for magicians who appreciate the bottle-cap premise and are willing to work around its limitations. His final verdict: Pro Caps is a solid but not essential addition to a coin magician’s toolkit.

What people are saying about Nickels to Dimes

TylerLunsfordMagic says...

Tyler loves that the prop looks like a real bottle cap, solving the 'magic prop' stigma of classic 'Nickels to Dimes'. [...] A visible seam at the base of the cap was noted by some spectators, particularly those familiar with magic.

Review videos