French Drop
The French Drop is one of the most useful coin vanishes in magic. It teaches timing, natural movement and misdirection.
Show the Coin
Hold the coin between your thumb and first finger. Keep your hand relaxed so the position looks natural.
Cover the Coin
Bring your other hand over the coin as if you are going to take it. This action should look smooth and casual.
Secretly Retain the Coin
Let the coin secretly fall into the lower hand while the upper hand closes as though it has taken the coin. With good timing, the vanish appears completely convincing.
Classic Palm Vanish
The Classic Palm Vanish is another essential coin move. It allows you to apparently place a coin into one hand while secretly retaining it in the other.
Place the Coin in the Palm
Start with the coin in the centre of your palm. The fleshy part at the base of your thumb helps hold the coin securely in place.
Pretend to Transfer the Coin
Pretend to throw the coin into your other hand, but secretly keep it held in the palm. This is called palming.
Complete the Vanish
Close the hand that appears to hold the coin. Use misdirection to casually hide or dispose of the real coin in the other hand.
Practice Challenge
Practice the move slowly in front of a mirror. When it looks natural, try performing the vanish five times without looking at your hands.