Cigarette through Quarter

Type: Close-up, Walk-around, Parlor

Skill Level:

Retail Price: $29.99

Effect: A spectator is asked for a quarter. Then with a rolled up bill or a cigarette the magician pierces the quarter, moving the bill/cigarette in and out of the center of the quarter.

Performance Time: About 1 minute

Reset Time: None

Angles:

Quality: There are at least two different kinds of quarters that allow you to pass a cigarette or bill through. All that I have seen are good quality and fairly durable. The difference in how the center hinges to the main part of the coin. The most common is with a spring which is soldered to the back of the coin. The drawback is that the back of the coin cannot be displayed. The other variety creates a hinge with a small rubber band the type used by orthodontists. Of course, the band breaks from time to time, but you can show the coin front and back.

Mike Maione: This is a cute coin trick. Of course, most people realize that you are using a gaffed coin. The key is the story you make up explaining why the bill/cigarette can pierce the coin....heat from the glowing ember on the cigarette perhaps...come up with something clever that might actually make someone believe, even for a little while. This is a good bar trick.

Dr. Mitch: Honestly, for a long while this trick did very little for me....it was awkward in handling and everyone did the exact same routine with it. However, after reading Tommy Wonders routine in "The Books of Wonder", and trying it at the bar a few times, it changed my mind. Being a chiropractor, I never condone smoking, and more and more people are realizing how bad it is for you, BUT, if you are going to be in a place where there are smokers...this is a HIT !!!

M&M Magic Review © 1997