The Effect
A coin is shown alongside a completely ordinary drinking glass. The magician taps the coin against the solid base of the glass, then appears to strike it straight through the glass.
The coin is immediately heard and seen inside. There are no duplicate coins or gimmicked props, and the coin may even be signed beforehand.
Before You Begin
A small or medium-sized glass works best. Choose one with a strong, solid base and enough room for the coin to land inside.
Practice over a soft surface at first so the coin is not damaged if it misses the glass.
Show the Coin and Glass
Begin with an ordinary coin and a small glass. The coin may be borrowed or signed by the spectator.
Allow both objects to be examined if you wish. This helps establish that there are no gimmicks or duplicate coins.
Prove the Base Is Solid
Gently tap the coin against the bottom of the glass so the audience can clearly see and hear that the base is solid.
Keep this action relaxed. It should look like a simple demonstration rather than an important secret move.
Position the Coin
Place the coin in the centre of your palm. Hold the glass from above with your other hand.
Tap the bottom of the glass twice with the hand holding the coin. These first taps show that the coin cannot pass through the glass.
Move the Coin Toward the Fingertips
Secretly allow the coin to slide from the centre of your palm toward your fingertips.
Keep this movement hidden from the audience. Your hand should remain relaxed and appear unchanged.
On the final tap, strike your palm against the base of the glass. The coin is launched upward, rebounds from your upper hand and drops into the glass.
Practise the Trajectory
This angle shows the route the coin takes. The move is not especially difficult, but it requires practice.
Experiment with the position of your upper hand and the force of the tap until the coin reliably bounces into the glass.
Complete the Illusion
Immediately swirl the glass so the audience hears the coin rattling inside.
Tip the coin out and hand it back for examination. If the spectator signed it, the matching signature makes the effect even more convincing.
See the Move in Action
Study the animation below to understand the timing and movement.
Performance Tips
Use the first two taps to establish a natural rhythm. Perform the secret launch on the third tap without changing your speed.
Swirl the glass immediately after the coin lands. The sound helps sell the illusion and prevents spectators from analysing the exact moment of penetration.
This trick works especially well in a bar or party setting, where ordinary glasses are readily available and the effect appears completely impromptu.