When I am doing a coin routine. I am asked at the conclusion where I get the coins I have. I use 1940 Walking Liberty Halfs and Morgan Peace Dollars. I think that some story on how I aquired them is a lot better than "Well, I got 'em from a coin shop in town. Bite 'em. They is real silver." Sounds way too 'cheap' to me. I need a good story. Any one have any ideas?
What about with the amature coin man who tells you to put your coins in a box and watch them as their price grows because they are so nice. I want to use my coins, not look at them. What do I say?
Thanks for the input.
-Casey

Casey, here is one that might work for you: 'My teacher gave them to me when I learned to do this routine'. Other folks don't say anything. Some just say 'these are my coins for doing magic' and leave it at that. Folks seem to take half dollars and silver dollars for granted if you treat them as coins.

You tell people it's a half dollar, a 50 cent piece, a silver coin (emphasis on the last phrase).

I have created a mythical Grandfather who had a small magic show that toured the Pacific between the wars. I aquired a lot of my props and routines from him which explains old coins and funky looking props.

You could say that you tried that but magic coins won't stay in the box. You could do a "Two in the hand, one in the pocket" or something similar, while you explain.

Thanks Magix, and the rest. I like the idea of spinning it off as a trick. Maybe... if I get real good, I can do the Harris' P.M.C.M. in both hands and say they're antigravitational coins.

CSStanton...you know your pic in the avatar is messed up?

Chris

When I use 1921 Silver Morgans, I tell people they were given to me by my dad.

They were minted the same year he was born.

Dad was always very supportive of my nearly normal magic. He is now in the big theatre in the sky.

When I use my Australian Coins, I link them to one of local University whose mascots are the Roo's (Kanger that is)

When I use my Franklin Halves I compare Ben's receeding hairline with my own. Then I do the gag of pulling a hair and pretending to tie it on the coin prior to making it jump sideways and then up.
I pause and say, I know what you are thinking, I've done this trick a lot.

My nearly normal point is to find something that fits you, your surrounding/place of performance. In that way IMHO you can connect more with your audience by giving them a piece of you not just tricks.

If they like you, they will like your magic.(just my 2 Morgans)

I used to want to be known as a coin guy.
Now I want to be known as an audience guy.

You are appreciated by,

Harris

I like to explain that I received the coins from my grandfather a long time ago when he showed me how the Skyhook worked. I then perform a version of Hanging Coins, in effect explaining to the audience how the hook works. I try to present it not as a trick but kind of a scientific demonstration. At the end some people don't know if they've just been shown a trick or some little known scientific quirk.

The grandpa idea is kinda old hat but it makes for a touching story and people like that.

I'm a bartender in Phoenix and if I approach spectators and want to explain the coins, I simply say "I received these coins as a tip last night and I found they have some unusual qualities". I then roll into any effect I would like to perform. This works very well for me because most of my customers don't know I perform coin magic, so when I start performing for them it's a real shock. Hope this helps.

Thanks Scott

I am not asked. When I introduce the coins (unless it's in the middle of a routine), I don't even hint that I will be using them for an effect.

I use only Franklin Halves with the date of my birth. When I take them out, I talk about that very fact, and how I have saved these from my childhood. I talk about how they sparkle and ring much better than the newer coins. Some people want to hear them or see them (usually the younger crowd who has never handled a real silver coin). If they want, I let them, although, honestly, most people just accept what I way. After the nostalgia about the 50's, I do magic with the coins, usually talking about the magical properties of pure metals" like silver, copper, and gold.