Steel and Silver by Paul Gertner
Created by: Paul Gertner
Key features
Involves a borrowed and signed coin for high audience engagement
Uses a solid steel ring for a visually impossible penetration effect
Considered one of the most deceptive and powerful coin routines ever created
Available with materials and learning resources for proper execution
Pros
Direct and impossible visual impact that astonishes spectators
High deceptiveness with a borrowed and signed coin for added credibility
Classic routine from a renowned magician with proven performance history
Cons
Requires purchase of specific materials and learning resources
May need practice to master the sleight-of-hand and timing
Effect
The audience sees a borrowed coin. The magician asks a spectator to sign the coin for identification. The magician then shows a solid steel ring. The coin visually penetrates the ring. The effect is direct and looks impossible. The signed coin is returned to the spectator.
Full details
Steel and Silver is a classic close-up magic routine by Paul Gertner. The trick uses a borrowed, signed coin and a solid steel ring. The coin visually penetrates the ring. The routine is part of a larger book collection also called Steel and Silver. The book contains over 20 coin routines and 16 card routines. It includes specific tricks like Reverse Assembly and Paul's Opener. The second edition of the book has a new essay by Paul Gertner. He provides insights on material evolution and professional performance advice. The book is written by Richard Kaufman with a foreword by Johnny Carson.
Who should consider the trick
This trick is for magicians who perform close-up magic. It is for those who want a direct and visual effect. The routine uses borrowed items, which increases audience engagement. The book collection is for magicians interested in a lifetime of work from a respected performer. It is suitable for those who want to learn professional routines and performance advice.
Information on how difficult it is to perform
The trick requires skill in coin magic. The method is not described here, but it involves sleight of hand. The book provides detailed instructions for this routine and others. Magicians should have some experience with coin magic to perform it well. The book also includes advice on staging a close-up show, which can help with performance.
What magicians say
AlakazamMagicUK highlights Paul Gertner's achievements. They mention his FISM wins and Fool Us appearances. They say the book is an essential volume from a master magician. StevensMagicEmporium praises the routine for its high deceptiveness. They call it one of the most powerful coin magic routines ever created. Both sources agree on the strong visual impact of the effect.
What people are saying about Steel and Silver
AlakazamMagicUK says...
The book is presented as an extensive treasure trove of material, including over 20 coin routines and 16 card routines. [...] Beyond the routines, the book includes professional advice on staging a close-up show and ideas for creating new effects, making it a valuable resource for both performance and creation.
StevensMagicEmporium says...
Steel and Silver is a legendary piece of close-up magic where a borrowed, signed coin visually penetrates a solid steel ring. It is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and deceptive coin magic routines ever created, often praised for its direct and impossible visual impact.
Promotional videos
Steel and Silver trick Performance!
AlakazamMagicUK mentioned this magic trick in this video.
Paul Gertner's Steel and Silver
StevensMagicEmporium mentioned this magic trick in this video.

