I would like to purchase an enameled Chinese coin for a few routines. What are your favorite brands or dealers who make these type of coins? I've seen some rather poor quality ones out there. Are there any gaffed sets that you prefer that include a non-gaffed Chinese coin? (kill two birds with one stone).

I have heard good things about "The magicians coin" website...

They do gaff sets as well... Check them out.

Shawn.

Copper Silver Brass includes a Chinese Coin that's not gaffed. It's also a great effect. I'd recommend the Johnson coin over any other type I've seen.

My favorite chinese coin is Sterling silver ones. They are thinner than other producers' and I like them very much. The engravings may not be as in great details as the others, but this doesn't matter much IMO. However I heard that they are not producing these coins anymore...

Johnson's also make a more sturdy looked chinese coin, they are about the same thickness as kenndy halves and the engravings are fine. They are a bit pricy though.

I only own normal chinese coins in half dollar sizes from these 2 brands so I can't compare with others. But I'm happy with the qualities of these 2 brands.

I believe one of the major attractivenesses of a chinese coin is the hole in the center. Great for spellbound effects. And if you choose to work with chinese coins, make sure you take a look at Troy Hooser's Charming Chinese Challenge. A wonderful effect.

The Johnson's coins are certainly reasonable, and they seem to get good reviews on the Café. As an amateur, I can't justify spending much more on Chinese coins... but is it wrong to still lust after the Magician's Coin versions?

Mine is custom made from schoolcraft....
if you wanna get the dollar size try ronjo.com
they have a nice range. for half dollar get the expanded set ton onosaka from stevens imperium magic.

hope this help

None are better, in my opinion, than http://www.themagicianscoin.com

Great coins, great gaffs, great service, great everything!

Daytona Magic in Florida sells a very nice Chinese coin, look HERE. With all sorts of Chinese characters and dragons all over the thing, it's very impressive looking, even if it's not real. And the coin is just about the same size, thickness and weight of a half dollar. However, it's made of pewter (I think) and isn't enameled, which is what you said you wanted. But at $3.50 each, you can't beat the price, and the coins are pretty much indestructable.

In my opinion, the neat thing about any Chinese coin is the center hole, and at least for me, the neatest coins have a square hole. Although the Johnson Chinese coin is also well done, with good engraving, the center hole is round, with a square design around it giving the illusion of a square hole, which is not quite the same thing. (Daytona also carries a non-gimmicked Johnson brass Chinese coin to match its Chinatown Half and C/S/B sets, look HERE). And some of the cheaper Chinese coins with plain round holes look exactly like what they probably are -- painted steel washers, not very convincing!

Anyway, take a look at the Daytona Chinese coins and see if they might meet your needs. SETH

I agree with Seth about the pewter ones from Daytona. They have them cast by hand, and they actually look like real coins, except they have no real patina on them. No gaffs are available with them, unless you go the custom route.

Well, thank you for all your input.

If Daegs recommends the Magician's Coin, then so be it.

Onebark, Get the ones from The Magician's Coin with the "unique" edgegrip, and you'll be getting a lot more than just a chinese coin. Half dollar and dollar size...Excellent!

Check ebay for "antique chinese coins" you will be surprised what you find.

The Magicians Coin has good customer service, but be aware that sometimes the paint chips off the coins.