Folding Quarter

Type: close-up, parlor

Skill Level:

Retail Price: $8

Effect: The most common effect created with a folding quarter is the penetration of a coin into a bottle effect. However, other effects are possible.

Performance Time: 10 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on the routine

Reset Time: Usually only a few seconds

Angles:

Quality: All folding coins work the same way. A groove is cut along the edge of the coin and the coin is cut into three pieces. The pieces are held together by a small rubber band in the groove. Slight pressure will allow the coin fold. Usually the better coins look pretty innocent from a close distance, because the cutting follows the contours or the dead president's head, so that the cut line blends into the shadow. Coins by Sasco and Sterling are excellent.

Mike Maione: This is a great prop. Every magician should have one. However, just the coin won't help you develop a routine. You can't simply fold the quarter and put it into the bottle. You'll need to convince your audience that it is a regular coin and they can't see you place the gimmick being placed into the bottle. There are many routines out there. Find one and practice it. The effect is pretty and with good handling is a very strong effect with lay audiences.

If you saw David Blane's special in 1997, you saw my favorite use of the folding quarter ... A coin is borrowed, a bite taken out of it and then it is spit back onto the quarter. It's great if you have to borrow a coin for another effect. It's a short effect that will raise more than one eyebrow.

M&M Magic Review © 1998