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Imagine transforming a nickel into a quarter merely by rubbing the impression of the coin onto a piece of paper….
Effect:
A 4 x 6 inch index card is shown and examined. A nickel is introduced and examined as well. The index card is folded in half and the nickel is dropped in between the folds. The spectator can feel the coin inside. Using a pencil the nickel is rubbed through the index card making an impression but it tranforms into a quarter. The index card is opened to reveal the physical transformation and all can be examined.
Setup:
You need a white 4 x 6 inch index card, a nickel, a quarter and a pencil. Place the pencil in your left hand pants pocket and finger palm the quarter in this same hand. Leave the index card and nickel out on the table in front of you. An index card is recommended as it is more opaque then a normal piece of paper.
Presentation and Method:
This effect can be presented many ways. One way I was toying with is the old gag of being able to announce the date of a borrowed coin without looking at it. I would then explain the way to do this is to rub an impression of the coin on the index card with a pencil. This creates some interest and takes them in a totally different direction which leaves them ready for the surprise ending where the nickel transforms into a quarter.
A simple thumb palm switch of the coins is used. If you wish you can have the nickel and index card examined. Fold the index card in half and place it in your right hand. Take the nickel in your left hand between your index finger and thumb. The quarter is finger palmed in this same hand.
As you apparently drop the nickel in the folds of the index card, perform a thumb palm switch. Your index finger and thumb guide the nickel back into the crotch of your thumb and clip it in position. You’ll end up with the nickel in thumb palm.
As this happens the finger palmed quarter is dropped inside the index card.
The sound of the coin falling inside the folds of the index card keeps people from thinking something fishy has taken place. This is another reason I recommend using an index card over paper as the added thickness can help in various ways throughout the effect. The nickel should now be in thumb palm position.
Your left hand along with the nickel can go into your left hands pants pocket to retrieve the pencil. Leave the nickel behind so that you can end the routine clean.
Next place the index card on the table and use the pencil to rub an impression on it.
Take your time making the impression as this is where the magic begins to happen. Tell them to concentrate with you in an attempt that something magical will take place. When you’re done slowly open the index card and allow the quarter to drop into their open hand. For picture purposes I show the coin dropping in my hand but I highly recommend that you allow the coin to fall out slowly into their hand.
Have them keep the index card and everything can be examined.
I like to autograph the index card as its something they will keep as a souvenir and they will remember you by it. It could also be that I have a big ego….
Extra Thoughts:
I recommend having the dates match for both coins. This way you can have the date on the nickel noted and when the transformation is complete the quarter is the exact same date. This gives the transformation that added verifying punch that the coin really did transform by magic… at least we can hope! After performing the switch you may have the spectator feel and verify the coin is inside the folds of the index card. I like to place my thumb over the majority of the coin as I ask them to feel and verify the nickel is still inside. They will pinch the outer edge of the coin and not think anything of it.