Hi,
I was watching CoinOne (a beauty) and I noticed that he turns over a dollar with a shell and you can't see the shell? Errr...if I do that with my shell (Tango) and non matching dollars it sure looks like there's a half-dollar with a shell.
Is that the quality of shell one gets when he buys a set from one of the greats?
And...would that be possible with an expanded shell or would you have to go with a regular shell with milled down coins?

I always wondered why one would need a non expanded shell - is that the reason perhaps? To get such a beautiful match?

Insights appreciated!

Kaj

He's using a Schoolcraft or Lassen (I think Schoolcraft) shell. Those are the expensive ones. The Tango shells suck. The non-expanded shells really don's have much use, except for hiding a smaller coin underneath, but you can do that with an expanded shell.

Tango shells are cheaply made. I have mostly Johnson shells and a couple Lassen. Major difference. I do however use only silver coins if I am using a half or dollar. I do not like the feel of clad coins.

If the surfaces of the coin and the shell are the same color/shininess, I really doubt that the average spectator will notice the difference. Also don't display the coin shell side down for very long. Just flash the side to show the coin is ordinary. Don't stack them either, or use an uneven stack.

I have a Tango flipper and while I wish I could afford a higher quality one. the coin looks just fine at a short distance. I suspect the Tango shells are similar, after all, they start life as regular coins...

The expensive ones are expensive for a reason and that is they are very hard to detect by your average spectator, almost impossible. You can use those of lesser quality, but you need to be much more careful in handling them and probably engage in more and better misdirection.....

Lassen claims even HE can't detect the shell in his latest offerings!

Rutabaga: would that go for expanded or regular shell?

I'm still (as too many it seems) undecided which would be better :o\

Kaj

The process used to expand the shell, results in a slight distortion or the surface. It's like rolling out dough. If you want something a little larger, you have to flatten the dough a little bit. A non-expanded shell doesn't require this. I don't remember where I read this, but it makes sense to me.

It's hard to tell unless doing a direct comparison that the expanded shell is different than the regular coin.

Kaj, he was referring to his unexpanded soft Morgan set.

Thanks :o)

I was lucky enough to snag that set up... I am very happy but my wallet is a little hurt.. I can't wait to get the goods though, : ) I have never been unhappy with a Lassen product.


Shawn.

I think there is one major point being totally lost here. With proper misdirection and handling even a cheap, poorly made e] can go undetected by the average spectator. Don't get me wrong, I am not knocking the expensive and beautifully made e]'s of Lassen or Schoolcraft. If you can afford them, I definately recommend them as fantastic pieces of artwork, I know I have both expanded and unexpanded. What concerns me, is even with the best of the best, when handled improperly and without proper misdirection, you still may have a significant problem.....

Fingers,
Yes, point well taken.

But my original question was how it could be that I saw his shelled coin wrong side up (on DVD so no misdirection in play) and it still was not visible, so in that regard the answers were relevant.

Kaj

Touche' Kaj. I didn't really think any of the answers were irrelevant, I was just trying to make a point in addition to their answers, which just may be the most important point.....

Absolutely, a very valid point! I know that with the best gaff in the world, when handling is wrong, or magician's guilt is there, it will never work, whereas a skilled (and confident) performer can get away with a green TT.

I didn't mean to correct you as such, your point was indeed well taken, and serious input is only welcomed :o)

Kaj

Remember, a expensive shell set is a lifetime investment. You do better magic with precise and intricate gimmicks and that's worth a lot. If you flash you lose... if you perform flawless you win.

The shell is virtually invisible and you will never flash the gimmick and
that is wonderful! Watch a invisible coin shell - http://www.coingaffs.com/shells.htm#

Even if they have a magnifier glass they will see nothing, he he!

I may be the only one that does this, but:
When I am working with my Todd Lassen coins, I often find myself lifting the shells a bit in my closed hands to be sure I have the right side up.

Stealing a quick glance is not enough to identify the shell side for me.

Bob

Totally agree with fingers here on this...

Well, I just have a Johnson half shell and it works fine. A laymen will not detect it. I guess if you display it for him to pick out the gaffed coin, then perhaps but that's not what magic is about, now is it? Also, if you use the gaff correctly it shouldn't even be suspected. Sure Lassen and Schoolcraft stuff is topshelf and if you can afford it then do it, but if you can't, a Johnson expanded shell is pretty good eats. Maybe not a fine steak, but an exceptionally good burger.

And I doubt that a guy that can use a shell pretty well, uses any such topline shell any better than he does a Johnson's....That's like saying that you're a better driver in a Macerratti than you are in a Mustang. And truly it's the "usage" that's most important especially as it pertains to believability of presentation. Remember, this stuff isn't supposed to fool you, it's supposed to fool the specs. The magic isn't supposed to work on the magi, it's supposed to work on the specs. But just the same, to each his own. Happy New Years.

Yeah, MB's right, just buy a Tango shell and be done with it. It's cheaper than Johnson, but it's just as good.

http://www.wizardhq.com/servlet/the-381/Magic-Money/Detail

I use a Tango walking liberty shell. And, mouth down, I'm sure that a spec could spot the shell a mile a way.

That said, though, I haven't had any trouble with the shell and haven't been caught. The reason, I think, is because I use it with confidence. I don't treat it differently. I hold it like a normal coin.

True, it's not a perfect shell, but is just deceptive enough that so long as I don't call direct attention to it no one is the wiser.

Of course, I'd love to drive the fancier car, and hope to get one some day. But the way I figure, if I can get mileage out of my Escort, I'll blow them away with the real deal.

Happy New Year.