Pretty Penny by Michael John

Created by: Michael John

Pretty Penny is a visually stunning close-up coin magic trick where a spectator's penny magically melts through the bottom of a glass bottle and becomes permanently trapped inside. The performer places a borrowed penny on their palm, covers it with an empty glass bottle, and the coin visibly penetrates the glass, appearing inside the bottle. The bottle and coin can then be handed out for examination, with the coin seemingly fused inside forever unless the bottle is broken. This is a direct, gimmick-free method that works with real currency and standard bottles, making it highly practical for performances.

Key features

Uses real coins and standard bottles (no gimmicks)
Highly visual penetration effect
Bottle and coin are examinable after the trick
Works with international currencies (community has adapted it globally)
Downloadable instruction (no physical props needed)
Suitable for close-up or parlor settings

Pros

Extremely visual and impossible-looking
Uses everyday objects (strong audience connection)
No reset needed—can be performed repeatedly
Strong community support with international adaptations
Taught with multiple visual handlings (coin through side, levitation, etc.)
Affordable (digital download)

Cons

Requires specific coin/bottle combinations (trial and error for non-US performers)
Not all bottle types work equally well
Coin remains stuck in bottle (can't reuse the same bottle)
Some practice needed to perfect the visual penetration

Effect

Pretty Penny is a visually stunning coin-in-bottle effect where a spectator watches as a coin visibly melts through the glass of a bottle. The coin appears to pass through the solid surface, leaving it trapped inside the bottle—which can then be immediately handed out for examination. The effect is direct, impossible, and leaves audiences baffled.

Full Details

Michael John’s Pretty Penny is a real coin-in-bottle routine that doesn’t rely on gimmicked bottles or bent coins. The method is cleverly designed to work with ordinary currency and common bottles, making it highly practical for real-world performances. The trick includes multiple visual phases, such as the coin appearing to rise into the bottle or being rubbed through the side.

The effect is self-contained, meaning the bottle remains completely examinable after the coin has entered it. The coin is genuinely stuck inside unless the bottle is broken, adding to the impossibility.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Coin magicians looking for a fresh, visual routine.
Close-up performers who want a high-impact effect with minimal setup.
Mentalists who can frame the trick as a demonstration of impossible penetration.
Anyone who enjoys organic, impromptu-style magic—since it uses everyday objects, it’s easy to carry and perform anywhere.

Difficulty

Pretty Penny is rated as moderate in difficulty. While the method itself is not overly complex, it does require some practice to ensure smooth execution, especially for the visual phases. The handling involves natural movements, but timing and misdirection play a role in maximizing the effect.

What Magicians Say

Erik Tait (Penguin Magic): "Pretty Penny is one of the best coin-in-bottle effects ever. The visual impact is insane—I showed it to my partner, and she freaked out. The community around it has been incredible, with magicians worldwide adapting it to their local currency."
Magic Orthodoxy (David): "This trick went viral for a reason. That moment where the coin visibly melts into the bottle is unbeatable. It’s the kind of magic that makes people question reality."
Michael John (Creator): "The trick started as a simple moment with my son handing me a penny. It became an obsession, and seeing the reactions from magicians and audiences has been incredible."

Pretty Penny is a standout trick for its simplicity, visual impact, and the strong community of magicians who continue to innovate with it. If you want a modern, fooling coin routine that plays big, this is a must-have.

What people are saying about Pretty Penny

Erik Tait says...

I demonstrated Pretty Penny to my partner, and she flipped out—it's so good. The moment where the penny visibly passes through the glass is worth the price alone.

Magic Orthodoxy says...

One of the biggest magic discoveries of the century. Imagine seeing a coin melt through glass, then examining the bottle to find it permanently stuck inside—unbeatable visual magic.

penguinmagicshop says...

Pretty Penny is the best coin-in-bottle ever—visually melt a coin into a bottle and immediately give it away as an impossible souvenir. The community has rallied around it globally, adapting it to local currencies and bottles.