Learn a Magic Trick
The Vanishing Coin
Effect
A coin is displayed and rubbed against the forearm in an attempt to rub
it into the arm. After a few failed attempts the coin vanishes.
Setting
Sit or stand behind a table. If you are wearing long sleeves, roll them
up.
Presentation
Everyone is interested in money. We can obtain the necessities of life,
find entertainment and make many of our tasks easier just by exchanging
this simple commodity for what we want. But some people put so much
emphasis on money that they lose their perspective on life. Instead of a
means, money becomes an end in itself. Let me illustrate with this coin.
This represents my financial wealth that I want to hang on to. In order
to keep it, I'm going to attempt to rub it into my right forearm. That way
it will always be where I can keep an eye on it, and it will always be
handy when I need it.
(Take the coin in your left palm. Place your right hand on your
shoulder with the forearm facing the audience, elbow pointing down. Hold
the coin flat between the right forearm and left palm and rub it up and
down a few times before letting it slip out, falling to the table. Repeat
this action 2 or 3 times during the following speech.)
There are many ways that people try to hang on to their money. Some store
it in a bank or keep it in a safe. But an emergency can quickly use up what
we have set aside.
(Drop the coin.) Some people invest their money
in stocks or mutual funds, but these sometimes lose their value and you can
lose your money that way too.
(Drop the coin.) It's not that these
things are wrong, or even a bad idea. In fact the Bible says that we
should save up and plan for the future. But at the same time we need to
realize that God is the One in whom we trust, and not in our own
wealth--because the time may come when our money will fail us.
(Show
that the coin has disappeared - see the secret below. ) But God is
always there to take care of us if we trust Him. Jesus warned us not to
"lay up riches on earth, where moths and rust corrupt, and thieves break
in and steal." Instead, we are to "lay up riches in heaven" by using what
we have to help others and to spread the message of
Gods' Love.
The Secret.
Each time you drop the coin, you pick it up with the left hand and begin
the rubbing process again. The last time, pick up the coin with the RIGHT
hand. Because they have seen you do it several times before, the audience
won't notice that you used the other hand. Then when you lift your right
hand to your shoulder to repeat the rubbing procedure, drop the coin down
your shirt collar.
What if I get caught?
On rare occasions, someone may notice that you used the other hand and
point it out. If that happens, remember that your purpose is not to mystify
with the effect, but to illustrate your message. Without pausing, respond
by saying "You're very observant. That's what magicians call a 'Steal',
and any earthly riches that we store up can be stolen when we least expect
it." Then continue as though nothing unusual happened.
