Coin Tricks Unrolled – Melissa & Doug – Magician’s Apprentice volume 4
I bought the Melissa & Doug Magic Set, Coin Tricks Unrolled, to evaluate for my clowning. I have a background in sleight of hand, and I like to integrate magic tricks into my clowning when I canâand when it fits my clown character. I like to evaluate inexpensive “children’s” magic props to see if they would work for clowning, before purchasing the more expensive “professional” model, and so I looked at this collection of coin tricks. The set consists of the following:
- Pen through coin
- A gimmicked coin that can have a pen or pencil pushed through it. It’s a one-trick pony, in that it’s all that it’s good for. It doesn’t lend itself to clowning, but would work for anyone who does street magic or close-up.
- Vanishing coin device
- On the one hand, a “pull” is a good idea, that can certainly be applied to clowning. It enables a coin to disappear at any moment, and can be used in a wide variety of comedy routines. On the other hand, it’s limited to one coin – I frankly prefer a “pull” that could be used for other small items as well.
- Transformation disks
- Very professionally made, this is effectively a one-trick pony. Two gold disks, with colored sides, that “magically” transform. It doesn’t lend itself to clowning, although I can think of a short scenario where it could be used with two clowns: “Here, hold these two disks – and don’t change the colors!” (clown 2 puts them together) “How?” “By putting them together, of course.” (clown 2 looks, and with an aghast look shows it to the audience, and tries to hide what he’s done, and ends up changing the other sides as well, etc.)
- Collapsing coin
- A personal favorite, this is a gimmicked coin with a hinge so that it can collapse. It can be used for a variety of magical effects that easily lend themselves to clowning, such as taking a bite out of the coin. “My doctor says I need to eat more iron!” to putting the coin into an impossible place, etc. One of my favorites from the set.
- Shell Coin
- A shell coin is a coin whose back side has been hollowed out, so that a second coin can be hidden behind it. It’s well made, and lends itself to a wide range of magic tricks. In Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic, he devotes a chapter to the uses of the shell coin.
Overall, the gimmicked coins are actually well made, make a good introduction to some “gimmicked” coin tricks, but probably don’t automatically lend themselves to clowning.
Table of Contents
- Pen through coin
- Vanishing coin device
- Vanishing Quarter
- Coin transformation
- Magic change maker
- Transformation Disks
- Collapsing coin
- Quarter through a bottle
- Quarter through a ring
- Bite out coin
- Paper wad illusion
- Laundry money
- Ghost coin
- Two coins become one
- Magical coin transformation
- Shell coin
- Shrinking stack of quarters
- Coin through a table
- Flying coins
- Extras
- Coin roll
- Repairing a broken hinge
Product Description From the Manufacturer
These fabulous, new sets are loaded with professional-quality magic devices and gimmicks. They include step-by-step instruction booklets with detailed illustrations for performing dozens of impressive tricks. Boxes fold like a book for easy storage. These include multiple, mystifying trick coins and instructions for more than 16 amazing tricks. They measure 18 x 11.5 x 1.75 and recommend for children above 8 years.
Product Description from Amazon.com
The impossible becomes possible for any child with this kid-friendly magic trick set, stored in attractive book-like box. Among the tricks of this tricky trade, kids learn how to make coins disappear and reappear-possibly behind your ear! Melissa & Doug. Ages: 8+
Product Features
- This fabulous, new set is loaded with professional-quality magic devices and gimmicks
- Includes step-by-step instruction booklets with detailed illustrations for performing dozens of impressive tricks
- Boxes fold like a book for easy storage
- Includes multiple, mystifying trick coins and instructions for more than 16 amazing tricks
- Exceptional quality and value