How to Do a Simple Magic Trick with Coins

Learn an easy coin magic trick that will amaze your family and friends with just a few coins and some practice.

  1. What You'll Need. Gather 2-3 coins of the same size (quarters work well), a small cloth napkin or handkerchief, and a table or flat surface to work on. Choose coins that are easy to handle and not too small for little fingers. Make sure you have good lighting so your audience can see the trick clearly.
  2. The Basic Palm Technique. Start by learning to 'palm' a coin. Place a quarter in your dominant hand and curl your fingers slightly to hold it against your palm using your pinky and ring finger. Your hand should look natural and relaxed, not clenched. Practice picking up and setting down other objects while keeping the coin hidden. This takes time to master, so be patient with yourself and your kids.
  3. Setting Up the Trick. Sit across from your audience at a table. Place two coins visibly on the table in front of you, while secretly palming the third coin in your dominant hand. Tell your audience you're going to make one of the coins disappear. Pick up one visible coin with the hand that's already palming the hidden coin, so you're now holding two coins in that hand (one visible, one secret).
  4. Performing the Disappearing Act. Cover the visible coin in your hand with the cloth napkin. While the coin is covered, secretly drop the palmed coin onto the table behind the remaining visible coin, keeping it hidden with your other hand. Remove the cloth with a flourish to reveal that the covered coin has 'disappeared' (you've actually switched it). Meanwhile, casually move to reveal the coin that 'appeared' behind the other one, making it seem like the coin traveled across the table.
  5. The Big Reveal. Present the final moment with confidence and showmanship. Say something like 'Abracadabra!' as you whisk away the cloth. Point to where the coin has 'reappeared' and watch your audience's amazement. The key is to act surprised yourself - even though you know how it's done, your enthusiasm will make it more magical for everyone watching.
  6. Practice Makes Perfect. Run through the trick slowly at first, focusing on smooth hand movements and natural gestures. Practice the palming technique daily for just a few minutes. Work on your patter (the talking you do during the trick) to keep your audience engaged and distracted from your hand movements. Video yourself or practice in front of a mirror to see what your audience sees.