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Shattering Coins by Michael Vincent

Created by: Michael Vincent

Michael Vincent's 'Shattering Coins' is a visually striking close-up magic trick that blends magic with science. The routine involves ten copper coins, four ball bearings, and a milkstone, culminating in a dramatic vanish effect. The coins are sandwiched between two bearings, placed in the performer’s hand, and the remaining bearings—along with the milkstone—are pushed into the fist. A heat lens is balanced on top, followed by a piece of paper. When ignited, the paper bursts into a mini fireball, creating a moment of spectacle. Upon removing the lens and bearings, the coins have shattered into non-existence, leaving no residual debris behind. This trick is perfect for magicians looking for a theatrical presentation with a scientific twist.

Key features

  • Involves ten copper coins, four ball bearings, and a milkstone

  • Uses a heat lens and paper to create a mini fireball for misdirection

  • Leaves no residual debris, reinforcing the illusion of total disintegration

  • Ideal for theatrical presentations with a scientific twist

Pros

  • Visually striking and dramatic vanish effect

  • Clean reveals with no residual debris

  • Combines magic with science for a unique presentation

Cons

  • Requires specific props (coins, bearings, milkstone, heat lens)

  • Involves fire, which may not be suitable for all performance environments

Effect

The audience sees ten copper coins placed between two ball bearings. The performer adds more bearings and a milkstone, then balances a heat lens on top. A piece of paper is placed over the lens and set on fire, creating a small fireball. When the fire clears, the coins have completely vanished without a trace. The effect is dramatic, blending magic with a scientific presentation.

Full details

The trick uses ten copper coins, four ball bearings, and a milkstone. The coins are sandwiched between two bearings and held in the performer's hand. The remaining bearings and milkstone are pushed into the fist. A heat lens is placed on top, followed by a piece of paper. When the paper is ignited, it creates a brief fireball. After the fire, the lens and bearings are removed, revealing that the coins have shattered into nothingness. The routine leaves no debris, reinforcing the illusion of total disintegration.

Who should consider the trick

This routine suits magicians who enjoy theatrical presentations with a scientific or physics-defying theme. It works well for performers who want a visually striking vanish with a clean, debris-free reveal. Those comfortable using fire as misdirection will find this trick particularly effective.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick requires handling multiple objects smoothly, including the bearings, milkstone, and heat lens. The fire element adds an extra layer of precision, so performers must practice timing and safety. The method itself is not overly complex, but the presentation benefits from confident handling and a strong theatrical delivery.

What magicians say

AlakazamMagicUK describes Shattering Coins as "a visually striking routine blending magic and science." They highlight the use of fire as misdirection and the clean vanish as key strengths. The trick is noted for its "elegant, physics-defying magic with a touch of old-world flair," making it a compelling choice for those interested in visual vanishes or scientific presentations.

What people are saying about Shattering Coins

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Michael Vincent’s *Shattering Coins* is a dramatic vanish effect with a scientific twist. [...] The combination of **heat, metal, and optics** suggests a pseudo-scientific method, making the vanish feel more impossible.

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