Assuming you have several matching coins to fit your unexpanded shell, what are the pros and cons of each.

It seems to make more sense to work with unexpanded shells whenever possible

My experience is that unexpanded silver dollar shells and their matching coins look good and are easy to handle. Half dollar size unexpanded shells and their matching coins don't look very good to me, perhaps because the cut down coins appear too small.

Ditto...

peace, charlie

I've heard the argument that nobody expects a cut down coin so that's a better option than having something that looks big. However now that both half dollars and silver dollars are no longer pocket change that is likely a moot issue. Also at the time the technology for making expanded coins was new so flaring was a real issue.

net-net: IMHO unless you are using quarters and they are looking real close it's not going to make a difference.

I agree with above, have a "Dean set" of Morgans from Schoolcraft, feel good and shell fits great. 1/2s are just big enough without being cut down.

For me, I like the fact that the unexpanded shell covers the whole coin. With an expanded shell you don't really get that with most sets. Also, with the unexpanded shell you could fip it over (with coin nested) and show it mouth up. With most expanded shells, this view (mouth up) does not look so good.

Although I have a Lassen expanded walking liberty shell set that looks beautiful mouth up with a coin nested. For Morgans, I definitely prefer unexpanded shells. However, I think these little nuances are things that only magicians worry about. Spectators don't even see most of those differences.

Roberto

Agreed all around here. There are always exceptions right - I mean each set by each maker is a unique item in most cases. I've never seen to identical Expanded sets. My walking lib unexpandeds look a lil cut down to me (only a magician would see it) but my unexpanded barbers look perfect (work rim conceals it all). An unexpanded Morgan set should and most likely have a perfect vacuum fit when made well. I do have an Expanded morgan set that is incredibly well matched in size and the shell has NO rattle at all - one of those rarities I think. As everyone pretty much said - nobody but magicians will see this stuff. With quarters you just have to be more careful about your displays and timing, quarter shells even good ones by their nature look a bit odd if you are looking for it.

The unexpanded shell definitely has a crisp and normal look to it and the down side would be you have to purchase remilled coins with it. It's not really a down side unless you don't have a lot of money to spend.

The unexpanded shell is more versitile and it's all you would really need to perform the same effects, but the down side would be it doesn't look as crisp and normal. But most don't have any issues with this.

I own both and it really doesn't matter.

I use expanced 64 kennedy's and non-expanded liberty halfs. While I prefer the re-milled halves... the public will NEVER notice.

I must do coins across an average of 10 times a week and it really doesn't matter. Its up to you what you're most comfortable with.

I use both as well and never had a problem with spectators noticing that anything is unusual.

Regards, Steve

Expanded lets you work with a borrowed coin, right?

A good unexpanded set will cost more but they are nice to work with. If the edges are re-milled it makes them easier to p*lm. But, if you are tight on cash go get a Johnson Expanded Shell and 4 matching coins. You can't go wrong with that. If you get an urge to splurge invest in a Schoolcraft or Lassen unexpanded set. I have a Schoolcraft Barber Deans set and it is like "butter".

TC

Yes, but in this day and age, probably only with quarters.
Sammy

"Ah, anyone here have a half or a silver dollar on them...I'll how you something interesting."