Coins for coin magic

Bobbydigital · Nov 7, 2017

Hello all!

So I live in Japan and I find that Japanese yen is kinda hard to work with. Espically as a beginner. I was thinking about ordering some uncirculated coin proofs from amazon as it’s cheaper for me. For a set from 1993 its only about 4 dollars plus shipping. Otherwise I would have to travel to Tokyo or Narita airport, at about the same cost, and hope that they can sell me US coins. Any advice.

TylerScottIllusionist · Nov 7, 2017

I like Grifters for coin magic. They are currently $5.24 on penguin.

AceTheInfinite · Nov 7, 2017

Do you prefer half dollars or one dollar coins?

Bobbydigital · Nov 7, 2017

TylerScottIllusionist said:
I like Grifters for coin magic. They are currently $5.24 on penguin.

Thanks a lot. I will check them out.

Bobbydigital · Nov 7, 2017

AceTheInfinite said:
Do you prefer half dollars or one dollar coins?

I havent lived back home in the US now going on six years. This is my first time really doing coin magic so I’m not sure. I do know that they seem to feel much smaller.

Maaz Hasan · Nov 7, 2017

Are they too small or too big? I'm assuming they are too small.

You can always go with the Grifters as Tyler Mentioned, or get custom Challenge coins made.

You could also use poker chips, bottle caps, or buy some larger value currency. You could maybe get some large coins (like U.S. Half Dollars) from ebay and come up with a cool patter.

If it's the same price, you might as well buy the proof. You might want to try the airport first, though it'll probably be a hassle.

Also, would it be really weird to have, say, Australian Coins in Japan? I feel like you could justify them better(though idk how big they are), as the distance between Australia and Japan is close enough that people probably visit regularly.

RealityOne · Nov 7, 2017

Don't buy the uncirculated coins. They tend to "talk" when rubbed against each other. Go for circulated 1964 Kennedy Half Dollars (the later ones don't contain as much silver) or Walking Liberties.

Josh Burch · Nov 7, 2017

I think 50 cent pieces are great for most effects and adult hands. I have started using full size dollars and am finding that they are much easier to work with. Don't go any smaller than a quarter.

Bobbydigital · Nov 7, 2017

I did pick up SuckerPunch but I find the poker chips are a bit big for me. Could just be my technique though as I am starting out.

AceTheInfinite · Nov 7, 2017

Bobbydigital said:
I did pick up SuckerPunch but I find the poker chips are a bit big for me. Could just be my technique though as I am starting out.

If SuckerPunch feels too large, go for the Walking Liberty half dollars. They are magical pieces of art... Trust me lol

VagueTheory · Nov 9, 2017

A bit off topic, but I have visited Japan a few times and love it there. The Japanese style of magic is extraordinary and I hope you get many chances to attend their shows, conventions, and other events. I've been to magic stores and bars in Osaka and Tokyo. I hope that you get to indulge in all of that culture! If you do get a chance, check out some magic shops that may be near you. They might sell some coins and coin accessories.