Inflation

Introduction:

This effect can be found in the original Stone Cold Magic Book, which is now out of print and sort of a collector’s item since many of the effects have been renamed or have not been published elsewhere. This isn’t exactly the most original piece of magic, but it’s a great opener that I’ve used many many times.

Effect:

A small coin changes to a large coin quickly and visibly.

Note:

This is a simple effect, and it requires no skill, and the idea (not necessarily the handling) has been done before by others. In fact, it’s probably one of those “Yeah I had that idea once,” effects. Lay people will remember this effect (if done with the right timing and attitude) forever. I use it most of the time as a quick opener to get their attention. It’s especially good for me since I’m not much of a coin man, and I believe the same way as Jim Sisti and that is, “Never open with a card trick.” This is an easy non-card effect that even I can do. From my experience, I can tell you that lay people love it.

Preparation:

Start out with a jumbo Half Dollar palmed in your right hand with the head toward your palm. The top edge of the coin will be at the bend of your two middle fingers and the bottom edge will be against the base of your thumb. This should allow you to conceal the coin and still have use of your right index finger and thumb (see fig. 1).

Performance:

Now in your left hand, hold a real half dollar in French drop position with the eagle side out (see fig. 2). Start by saying, “This is a test of vision. Can you see the eagle?” Now with your right hand index finger, pivot the real half between the left middle finger and thumb to show the head side (see fig. 3). “Can you see the head? Can you see the date?” They should say, “No” when you ask about the date. Now place your right thumb on the eagle side of the big coin and extend your right fingers out (see fig. 4).

The coin should still be concealed. Next, do a spellbound move. Bring your right hand over above the left hand. When the right hand covers the left coin, release the left coin and allow it to fall into the curled left fingers. With the left thumb and fingers, grip the jumbo coin in French drop position. Then remove the right hand (see fig. 5). It appears as if you have just passed your hand over the coin and caused the coin to grow. Remember right before doing this you said “Can you see the date?” Do the switch, and say, “How about now?”

Note:

In standard French drop position, the coin is parallel to the floor. In this effect, however, you want the coin to be at about a 45 degree angle to the floor, so tilt your left hand slightly forward. Remember you’re showing the coin to them to test their vision, so they have to be able to see it.

Once the jumbo coin has been displayed in the French drop position, lift your left thumb up and allow the big coin to fall on your palm. If your do this with your fingers slightly cupped, the coins will not talk (see fig. 6). Next, curl the left fingers under the coin as the thumb rests on top. This will slide the small coin into left hand finger palm position. The big coin is now being held on top of the bent left pointer finger and the left thumb on top (see fig. 7). Next toss the big coin on the table like a Frisbee. Under cover of the loud “Clank” ditch the small coin.

Tips For The Restaurant Magician:

Many people like to use openers at a table that will create a magical environment under normal circumstances. This is mainly done for the element of surprise. In other words if you go right up to the table and tell them you are a magician, then their expectations become too high for most magician’s taste. They (the audience) have already decided that they are against the idea, and they get an attitude as if you are trying to challenge them rather than entertain them. Instead of telling them right up front, you catch them off guard, and you gain their respect (hopefully). Here’s a very popular and well used example of what I’m talking about: “Excuse me sir, is this your white knife, I found on the floor? No? Well how about this red knife (using the color changing knife)? Many magicians use this type of opener at a restaurant.

Anyway, if you are this type of performer then this effect is perfect. Here’s how you present it: “Excuse me sir, is this your half dollar I found on the floor? No? Are you sure? Take another look; can you see the date? How ’bout now.” Change it then throw it on the table. Then say “Wow! Now that’s what I call inflation. Actually it’s my coin and I’m the house magician… (or whatever your opening line is).”

This is quick, and right away you get their attention. You can also tell what kind of audience you are dealing with based on their reaction.