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billmarq Special user State near Arizona 570 Posts |
Any avid coin collector will tell you that it is totally wrong to clean an old silver coin such as a Morgan dollar. He will say it lowers the coin's value tremendously. It is natural for a magician to want his coins to shine and to look similar or even identical to each other. Softening a coin by sanding it has even been discussed here. Is there an alternative we should explore? I don't know how much of an impact we have made, given that there are quite literally thousands of these coins available on eBay at any given time, but I feel a bit guilty, like I am ruining a bit of history.
This is not a moral issue but rather a "social" one in my mind. (And, please, I am not asking HOW to clean my coins. There is ample infomation on that subject.)
Honi soit quit mal y pense.
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Brad Burt Inner circle 2675 Posts |
LOL....I am just getting ready to take four perfectly fine Morgans and 'soften' them. What a hassle! But, they are just too noisy otherwise. I get the point though.
It should be noted that any collector will tell you that it is totally wrong to clean coins that have 'collectors value'. The Morgans bought from boxes full of coins sold only for their bullion value are handled much worse by the dealers and if you think about it, magicians take coins that are handled with very little respect and give them that by handling them and valuing them for more than simply the value of the metal itself. Even softening the coins is done to add a value to the performer and those that will watch his performance that is lacking in how they are handled by most folks. Best,
Brad Burt
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Jonathan Townsend Eternal Order Ossining, NY 27294 Posts |
Theatrical props. Coinz. Are there alternatives... of course.
...to all the coins I've dropped here
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billmarq Special user State near Arizona 570 Posts |
I was looking for well worn Morgans on eBay but it seems they go for higher prices than many of the "nicer" ones. I can't figure it out. Definitely not something to lose any sleep over, but I do ponder such things.
Not too long ago I bought ten 1947 Mexican 5 pesos coins which are just slightly larger than a Yankee dollar, for about $4 each. I don't like the feel as much as I do a Morgan's, but they are supposedly 90% silver and can be used for PK work as well. I haven't been much of a coin worker in the past but I am trying to catch up.
Honi soit quit mal y pense.
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Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
The value to a collector is one thing, and the item should be treated appropriately to maintain that value.
On the other hand, as a prop or tool of the trade, the value may lie elsewhere, such as in the income generated by it's use. If it improves the chances of meeting that goal to polish them, soften then, or cut then into small pieces, then I have no problem doing so. I have bought suits and tuxedos costing a LOT of money and the first thing I did to them was take a razor knife to certain parts. The average guy would never consider it. I have even paid more than market value for an item knowing the investment would be compensated many times over through use. A $500. Die Box may seem expensive to some, but if it pays for itself the first time out, with many more uses to follow, who's to say it wasn't worth it?
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
BarryFernelius Inner circle Still learning, even though I've made 2536 Posts |
Is it wrong to clean our silver coins?
No. Next question.
"To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time."
-Leonard Bernstein |
critter Inner circle Spokane, WA 2653 Posts |
I've never cleaned mine, but I like the vintage look. It's probably not wrong, but I would feel weird about it myself. That's just my personal taste though.
"The fool is one who doesn't know what you have just found out."
~Will Rogers |
Patrick Differ Inner circle 1540 Posts |
Flip an unpolished English Penny into the air.
Watch others' reactions. Ho-hum. Flip a brilliantly polished English Penny into the air. Watch others' reactions. They'll ask to see it... to handle it. Therein lies your answer.
Will you walk into my parlour? said the Spider to the Fly,
Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy; The way into my parlour is up a winding stair, And I've a many curious things to show when you are there. Oh no, no, said the little Fly, to ask me is in vain, For who goes up your winding stair -can ne'er come down again. |
bishthemagish Inner circle 6013 Posts |
Me I like the silver coins to shine. The copper coins I treat to darken them. The reason some venue's have different lighting and if the silver and copper coins shine - there can be problems with the audience watching to tell them apart in some routines like spellbound and other copper/silver routines.
Glenn Bishop Cardician
Producer of the DVD Punch Deal Pro Publisher of Glenn Bishop's Ace Cutting And Block Transfer Triumphs |
critter Inner circle Spokane, WA 2653 Posts |
Most of my performances were outdoors. Doesn't take a lot of shine to catch sunlight. I can see how it would almost be a must to have shiny coins in some venues though.
"The fool is one who doesn't know what you have just found out."
~Will Rogers |
Mr. Mystoffelees Inner circle I haven't changed anyone's opinion in 3623 Posts |
I have no problem cleaning my vintage silver dollars. I favor an "antique" finish, however, so mine are worked to a blend of dark in the "creases" and shiny on the "tops". In this way, I have coins that look experienced and vintage but catch the light and reflect it well when moved. It is a very good look.
Jim
Also known, when doing rope magic, as "Cordini"
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George Ledo Magic Café Columnist SF Bay Area 3041 Posts |
The coins are props. What they look like is dependent on your character, and how you use them, and whatever "story" you tell with them. In the context of your presentation, why would they look new or old? Are they supposed to be uncirculated coins, or coins you found in a box, or something else? How do you want the audience to perceive them? That's what's going to tell you whether to polish them or not.
That's our departed buddy Burt, aka The Great Burtini, doing his famous Cups and Mice routine
www.georgefledo.net Latest column: "Sorry about the photos in my posts here" |
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-05-05 00:02, bishthemagish wrote: This is an excellent point. I leave my copper coins dark for this very reason. In dim lighting, if polished, they are much harder to distinguish from silver coins. This is one instance where I think a nod for clarity may trump character and personal preference.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
tommy Eternal Order Devil's Island 16532 Posts |
If there is a single truth about Magic, it is that nothing on earth so efficiently evades it.
Tommy |
billmarq Special user State near Arizona 570 Posts |
Tommy - these coins look great. As they are silver or gold plated over copper, though, I wouldn't recommend "softening" them. I can use a gold coin or two for a couple of effects I am practicing.
Honi soit quit mal y pense.
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Jim Sparx Inner circle Far Out, Texas 1144 Posts |
Coin dealers do not like it when you clean the coins. Ladies like shiny things, I know mine does. Slydini used natural looking coins right out of his pocket. Shiny coins look out of the ordinary without that everyday look.
Et tu, Spartacus?
https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/chispadeelpaso.html |
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