So I am just now getting into coin magic and just bought an expanded quarter dollar shell. I am trying to figure out a good method for separating the shell from the coin in my right hand as I move to set the shell down on top of the coins in my left hand. I basically have the shell/coin resting on my fingers in my right hand. I begin to turn my hand over and as I do I use my middle finger to raise the shell/coin so that I can grab the edges with my index finger and thumb. I then use my thumb to pull the shell off of the coin and up between the the tip of my index finger and thumb leaving the real quarter in my fingers. I can do this very quickly and smoothly, except I can't seem to do it without making a small clanking sound as I separate the shell from the quarter. I feel that there may be a better method I could do that would keep the separation quiet. Any suggestions? Also any good teaching aids would also be very helpful.

I would suggest holding the shelled coin in your right hand, in what is generally referred to as "Spellbound" position, (which is at the fingertips of the index, middle finger and thumb; with the thumb on top and all four fingers together, ("windows" closed)...Like you're going to do a French Drop). Releasing just a slight bit of pressure from your thumb will allow the coin to drop silently out of the shell and directly, naturally, into finger palm. Maintain your grip on the shell with your index finger and thumb and slightly curl in your middle finger to maintain the finger palm of the coin. You may then immediately turn your hand over, showing the face of the shell. Via Ramsay Subtlety, you can show the rest of your hand empty. This is a VERY convincing move and the drop from the shell is silent. You may then keep the shell in that position and place the it in your left hand while maintaining the coin in finger palm; or you can "snap" the shell up and place it in your left hand. To "snap" it up and display it at the fingertips, you just bring your thumb forward while releasing just enough pressure on the coin from your index finger, which comes inward. The result is the coin "snapping" from an almost horizontal position into a vertical one at the very tips of the fingertips. Misdirection is also key. While focusing your attention on the coins - and shell now in your left hand, you can classic palm, ditch, or hand to an elephant the coin that was clandestinely removed from the shell. I hope that makes sense and is helpful.

Since you're just getting into coin magic, I would suggest getting the LARGE Bobo's "Modern Coin Magic". There's a cheap paperback and a much larger hard-bound version. Get the hard-bound. It has tons more stuff in it. I'd also suggest David Roth's "Expert Coin Magic." ...Both the book and his video sets. These all have brief sections on working with shells.
Michael Ammar's "Introduction To Coin Magic" and/or Eric Jones' "Metal" are also EXCELLENT video choices for learning coin magic. If you're really interested in using shells, get the L&L Publishing DVD, "World's Greatest Magic: Expanded Shells."

Once you have some practice and experience under your belt, then read Juan Tamariz's "Five Points In Magic." It isn't about coin magic; but you'll learn things in that book that will help you with your coin magic. Also, size matters. Quarter dollars are good to learn with; but aren't easy for audiences to see. After you've mastered the smaller quarters, I would suggest moving into half dollar sized or dollar sized coins. They're easier for your audiences to see and more visually appealing when they appear or vanish. Finally, better tools may help. You mention your shell makes noise. I don't know what brand shell you're using, but shell quality can greatly affect shell functionality and handling. If you get proficient at it and are SERIOUS about coin magic, I would suggest spending some money, (call it an "investment"), on better-quality shells. I would suggest Johnson shells for intermediate expertise and then Jamie Schoolcraft, Bob Swadling or Todd Lassen for professional grade shells, (when you're making money with your coin magic). But for the moment...I hope my suggestion helps and I hope you have fun with it! Coins are my passion and shells are a fantastic tool!

If you are "just getting into coin magic" as you mentioned then you really need to put the shell away and learn the basics of coin handling. When just starting there is a heck of a lot you need to learn and become proficient with before trying to work with coin gimmicks. I'm not trying to burst your bubble or anything; just trying to get you off on the correct footing. There will be plently of time to play with gaffed coins after you learn how to handle a coin period.

Jim

Yea I do a lot of Shell stuff! But I allways say Lurn your slight of Hand Frist! Then Combined them with slight of hand!

Best David Neighbors
The Coinjurer

No bubble burst here,... I was already thinking the same thing. In fact I put in a request for recommendations for good coin book/dvd learning aids in another thread so that I could get started learning the basics. I am not a professional magician, I just do it as a hobby and a way to trick my friends and family. I like to have a few quick tricks to do at a moments notice. I have actually been getting better at separating the shell using the method Bendy gave me. I have a very basic routine worked out but I would like to make it cleaner and more robust by learning some good sleight of hand moves.

Hay Brad,
After you go trou Bobo's There is a few good shell routines in there! Then I have some easy Shell routines. In some of my notes!