by Fred C. Baumann

Effect: The performer removes a small envelope from his pocket. He shows it to the spectator, holding it at the base of the fingers on his open right hand. He states that it contains a coin. He flips the flap up and pours the coin out onto his left hand, and then displays it at the tip of the fingers, calling attention to the fact that it is the most beautiful coin ever minted. The coin is called "The Walking Liberty", and unfortunately it is no longer being made. "Can you imagine it being minted today in 'living color'?" he says as he taps the coin. Instantly it turns into a colored coin. He hands it to the spectator. See Fig. 1 before and after.

Before and after
Fig. 1

Note: This effect depends on the move called "The Catapult", described in Bobo's in the section on sleeving, but, in this routine another coin takes the place of the first coin. In order to accomplish this transfer, the coin to be exchanged must be held in the Morritt Grip. The envelope and colored coin can be brought from a coin dealer. It is also possible to perform this routine using a copper coin in place of the colored one, but of course the effect will no be nearly as startling.

Method: The colored coin and the envelope containing the Walking Liberty half dollar are in the right jacket pocket. Reach in with your right hand and get the colored coin in the Morritt Grip. At the same time bring out your right hand with the envelope over the colored coin, as in Fig. 2. Display it freely. At this point, no one is aware of a coin under the envelope. Place your right thumb under the flap and flip it up. Grip the flap with your left thumb and forefinger, and turn it counter-clockwise. At the same time turn your right hand palm down, gripping the envelope by its edge with the thump and forefinger of the right hand. Pour the coin out of the envelope into the left hand.

Fig. 2

At this point, the colored coin should be secured in the Morritt Grip by the right hand, which is also still holding the envelope.

Drop the envelope on the table or give it to someone to hold, and patter about the coin being the most beautiful ever minted. Gesture with your right hand palm down, if you have the grip on the coin under control, no one will suspect that it is in your right hand. As you continue the patter, get the coin in your left hand into position for the Catapult.

As you say "living color", bring the hands together. The silver coin on the left hand goes up your right sleeve as the right fingers tap the left fingers. In place of the silver coin will be the colored coin. If timed perfectly, the exchange is truly startling to see.

You may be wondering why I specify the Morritt Grip above for the right hand. The reason is that the Morritt Grip allows you to keep the hand perfectly flat, as opposed to the light cupping which would result form a Classic Palm. This in turn insures that the Catapult will go smoothly up the sleeve. In addition, since the envelope is being handled mere the finger tips, it would not be able to conceal a coin in a Classic Palm.