You are supplied with two gimmicked pound coins. The first has a small pinhole in the edge, and the second has a hole in the back with a pin in it. As you will see the pin can be pushed up horizontally (so that it is sticking out of the edge) and turned around on the vertical axis. If you push the pin up you’ll find that you can insert it into the hole in the other coin. Then, by slowly turning the pin, you can cause the coin on top to rotate. You don’t want to do this too quickly or the coin on top will fall off. Presentation This effect can be presented a number of ways. We feel that the best presentation is a “mind over matter” type performance where you get the spectators to really concentrate and to believe that they are causing the “magic”. To start, place a gimmicked coin in each pocket (either in each jacket pocket, each back pocket, or any two separate pockets). Be sure to remember which coin is in which pocket. Explain that you would like to demonstrate the collective power of the mind, and ask to borrow a pound coin. When the spectator hands you the coin, place it in the hand that is closest to the gimmicked coin with the pin in it (i.e., if the gimmick with the pin is in your left pocket, place the borrowed coin in your left hand, and vice-versa). Pause for a moment and say that in actual fact you require the use of two pound coins, and reach into both pockets simultaneously. Look towards the pocket that contains the coin with the hole in it, and state that you have one, then remove the coin and toss it on the table. While your hands are in your pocket, and you remove the extra coin, you must switch the spectators coin for the gimmick. This can be easily done as you remove the extra coin, with plenty of time to spare. Try to place both hands in your pocket simultaneously, and remove them simultaneously – it makes the action very smooth and natural and nobody will suspect that you switched a coin. Get everyone to concentrate on balancing one pound coin on the other, and as you do this place them one on top of the other, by their rims. Attempt to do this a couple of times, letting the coin fall to the floor. Then, on the third time insert the pin into the hole, and tell everyone to keep concentrating. The coin balances! Then, ask the audience to concentrate on making the coin on the top spin around, and very slowly turn the pin. The coin will begin to rotate. Let the coin rotate all the way around, and then let it drop onto the table. Pick up the coin on the table with your free hand and place both hands simultaneously in your pockets. Switch out the gimmicked coin for their original coin as you remember that you borrowed it off them at the beginning. Afterthoughts This is a very powerful effect if performed properly. It should be done in a very collective way, making the audience feel a part of what is happening. You could build on this presentation idea and get the spectators to touch the coins at the beginning, channelling their energy towards them. Try and perform this at a very slow pace, and don’t be too quick in making your switches. Take your time, relax, get everyone involved and on your side and nobody
