This topic has been approached before, but I wanted to revisit it because I have seen, especially with Three Fly, the movement toward dollars. Certainly Silver dollars are larger, and pretty, and more visible for a larger crowd. I use halves because they fit me well, and Kennedys are more familiar to the people I show them to. I have my standing liberties, that I use in my more professional work. I'm curious what you all are using, and for which situations?

I use halfs, mostly because I like to try and have normal everyday props, and even though they are not all over, they are more familiar then dollars.

Hello,

I used to use Kennedy Halves almost exclusively and then noticed one day that the silver dollar size coin made it a lot easier. My hands are fairly large and the Kennedy Halves almost seem too small.
Plus, I like the look of Morgan and Peace Dollars and can generally weave interesting stories about where they came from, how I acquired them, etc..
My father carried a Morgan in his pocket since he was about twelve until the time of his passing some 20 years ago. While he did'nt do coin magic everytime I work with the Morgans it reminds me of him.

Take Care,

Vincent

That's a GREAT reason, and very touching, Vincent!

I use the half dollar size for my real close up stuff because they are easier to hide and manipulate.

I use dollar size coins for routines for a larger audience where coins are chest level (flurries, productions and vanishes, 3 fly etc.) Also I like the dollar size coins for more of a parlor type effect like Cylinder and Coins.

To sum it up:

Close: Halfs
Away: Dollars

Ditto. The coins I carry with me the whole time are halves (Walking Liberty coins) and the half dollar sized Chinese coins (for "Purse Spellbound", CCC (by Troy Hooser) and my own spellbound handlings). My hands seem more comfortable handling these coins over the dollar sized coins (very difficult to classic-palm, although it works well in finger-palm and other palming techniques). The dollar sized coins (Morgans, BTW) are used for a larger crowds.

Dollars.....

I have big hands so I like how they look.

Lee

I work with Morgan dollars for most of my coin work. Spectators can see them easily and the fact they they are larger makes the appearances and vanishes that much more effective. After working with the dollars, the halves feel like quarters to me. The following are some effects I use with dollars:
4 Coins Across
Gadabout Coins
4 Coins to the Pocket
3 Coin Production and Vanishing or "Hanging" Coins
Perpetual Coin Routine
3 Fly (U3Fly)
Sankey's TV Coin Bend (I use an Ike Dollar)
Chinese Coin Exchange (C/S coin and purse)
NY Spellbound (C/S coin)
I have a dollar sh--- and fl----- but don't use them that much.

I use estonian "1 kroon" coins. Cause I`m from Estonia and theyr size is perfect! These are just between half dollars and quarters.

But when I do coinbyte I have to use your money. Then I use half dollars!

How many magicians outside the USA use american coins? Does that present a problem for your audience?

Hey

I use Barbers and morgans for all my non gaff coin work. I like useing morgans for close up but it take a little more work. I use barbers more for if i have to use more than 8 coins.

Brad

I use Barbers when I need to get my hair cut! But seriously though....I understand that they are a bit thinner, so they allow you to palm more of them.