Coin Tricks Unrolled – Melissa & Doug – Magician's Apprentice volume 4

Coin Tricks Unrolled - Melissa & Doug - Magician's Apprentice volume 4

Coin Tricks Unrolled - Melissa & Doug - Magician's Apprentice volume 4Coin Tricks Unrolled – Melissa & Doug – Magician’s Apprentice volume 4

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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 can—and 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

  1. Pen through coin
  2. Vanishing coin device
    • Vanishing Quarter
    • Coin transformation
    • Magic change maker
  3. Transformation Disks
  4. Collapsing coin
    • Quarter through a bottle
    • Quarter through a ring
    • Bite out coin
    • Paper wad illusion
    • Laundry money
  5. Ghost coin
  6. Two coins become one
  7. Magical coin transformation
  8. Shell coin
    • Shrinking stack of quarters
    • Coin through a table
  9. Flying coins
  10. 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

 

About tom.raymond 1587 Articles
Professional clown for over 25 years - happily married, with 5 children and 1 grandson