I put coins in spectator's hands all of the time as part of the construction of the routines I perform. I purposely do this because putting the magic in their hands greatly increases the effect on your spectator. Instead of just watching you perform, they are taking part in the magic.

I routinely put a flipper coin, shell coin, C/S coin, and CSB gimmick in their hands (in seperate routines). You just have to know how to manage it.

One of the secrets is that if you have both of their hands occupied with objects, it is very hard for them to grab anything. Their hands are palm up, yours is palm down, you can grab quicker than they can if you happen to have a problematic spectator.

Does anyone know of a particular good text that covers the use of the flipper in coins across or coins through table. I have the Schoolcraft coin. Thanks

Joshuajay.com Troy Hoosier has some material on it. I'm waiting for DesTROYers to arrive (should be here tomorrow).

Speaking of gaffs getting damaged, how easily do the older halfs (i.e. walking liberties, barbers, franklins) get damaged as compared to the more modern halfs? I know that since the older halfs have a higher silver content they're a bit softer, but how much softer? How careful do I have to be handling them?

I will vouch for what, Dan Watkins, has to say! I have been practicing the routines on his "Coin Man Walking" DVD and you place gimmicks in the hands of the spectator in several instances, but the way he has it done doesn't give the spectator a chance to examine them till the end where they are switched out.

I have already performed some of his routines for friends and they kick. My friends are very suspicious and want to scrutinize everything, so I let them examine the coins before and after. However, I never let them examine the gimmicks and the only time they see and touch the gimmicks is during the routines. With Dan Watkins strategy you can do that and never worry, like he said when it is done both the hands of the spectator are occupied and with proper management they will never know they are holding a gimmick.

Thanks Dan, you made me a coin God here with my friends.....