Step 1
Gather the Materials
Collect a coin, a glass, a napkin, a sheet of white paper and paper glue before you begin. Keep scissors handy for preparing the paper circle.
Coin Magic
Coin Vanishes Under a Glass Trick
Make a coin appear to vanish beneath a glass, then bring it back into view with a simple visual illusion using a napkin and a prepared paper circle.
⭐ Difficulty
Beginner
🪙 Props
Coin, glass, napkin and paper preparation
⏱ Practice
About 10 minutes
The Effect
A coin rests beside a glass. You cover the glass with a napkin and move it over the coin. When the napkin is lifted, the coin seems to have vanished beneath the glass.
Cover the glass once more and move it aside. The coin mysteriously reappears.
What You Need
🪙 A Coin
Choose a coin that is easy for your audience to see.
🥛 A Glass & A Napkin
Use a clear glass with a rim that can be covered by a paper circle and a large napkin.
✂️ Paper and Glue
Use white paper, paper glue and scissors to prepare the secret.
Choose the Right Surface
The surface should closely match the colour of the paper circle attached to the glass. A close match helps the secret remain difficult to see.
How to Perform the Trick
Step 2
Cut a Paper Circle
Cut a circle from the white paper that matches the size of the glass rim as closely as possible. Check the fit before applying glue.
Step 3
Attach the Paper Circle
Apply a small amount of paper glue around the rim and carefully attach the paper circle. Allow it to sit flat and secure before performing.
Step 4
Set Up the Coin and Glass
Place the glass and coin side by side on a surface that matches the paper circle. This colour match is an important part of the visual illusion.
Step 5
Cover the Glass
Drape the napkin over the glass so that it is fully covered. Keep the movement casual and unhurried.
Step 6
Make the Coin Vanish
Lift the covered glass and napkin together, then place them over the coin. Remove the napkin to show that the coin appears to have disappeared.
Step 7
Reveal the Vanish
Lift away the napkin and let the audience see that the coin is no longer visible beneath the glass. Pause briefly so the moment registers.
Step 8
Make the Coin Reappear
Cover the glass again with the napkin. Lift the covered glass and move it back to its original position, revealing the coin once more.
Why It Works
The paper circle conceals the opening of the glass and, when viewed against a matching surface, helps the bottom of the glass appear ordinary. The napkin hides the preparation while you move the glass between positions.
Performance Tips
Keep the Movements Natural
Move the covered glass smoothly, as though you are simply demonstrating the objects.
Check the Paper Circle
Before performing, make sure the circle is flat, secure and difficult to distinguish from the surface.
Pause at the Reveal
Give the audience a moment to register that the coin appears to be gone before moving on to the reappearance.
Common Mistakes
A Poor Colour Match
A noticeable difference between the paper circle and the surface can expose the secret. Test the setup under the lighting where you plan to perform.
A Loose Paper Circle
If the circle lifts or wrinkles, it can give away the preparation. Let the glue dry and check the rim before each performance.
Rushing the Reveal
Moving too quickly can make the method easier to follow. Keep the handling relaxed and let each moment register.
Practice Plan
- Prepare the glass and check the paper circle from the audience's viewing angle.
- Practise covering and moving the glass without drawing attention to the secret.
- Rehearse the vanish and reappearance several times in the same lighting.
- Perform for one person and ask whether any part of the preparation was noticeable.
Coin Vanishes Under a Glass FAQ
Is this trick suitable for beginners?
Yes. The handling is straightforward, but the paper preparation and surface match need to be checked carefully.
Can I use any glass?
Use a clear glass with a rim that allows you to attach a neat paper circle. Test the setup before performing.
Why does the surface colour matter?
The paper circle should blend with the surface so that the preparation is less noticeable from the audience's viewpoint.