How to Use the Nested Coin Box Brass by Mr. Magic

By Playing cards for cardistry & magic, limited edition deck. | Published: 2026-10-29

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to perform a stunning coin vanish and reappearance routine using the Nested Coin Box Brass by Mr. Magic. Follow these step-by-step instructions to amaze your audience.

Quick Answer

The Nested Coin Box Brass by Mr. Magic lets you make a borrowed and signed coin vanish, then reappear inside a series of nested brass boxes. Follow the steps below to perform this classic routine smoothly.

Why This Routine Works So Well

The Nested Coin Box Brass uses a clever nesting principle: each box opens to reveal a smaller box inside, building suspense. The final box contains the signed coin, creating a strong magical moment. The brass construction gives the props a solid, authentic feel that adds to the audience's perception of impossibility.

Trade-Offs to Consider

This trick requires a bit of practice to handle the boxes smoothly without fumbling. The nesting design means you need to open and close boxes in the correct order. Also, because the coin is borrowed and signed, you must be comfortable with a simple sleight to make the coin vanish initially. If you're new to coin magic, practice the vanish separately before adding the boxes.

Step-by-Step Routine

Borrow and Sign a Coin: Ask a spectator to lend you a coin (preferably a large one like a half-dollar) and have them sign it with a permanent marker. Hold the coin visibly in your hand. Make sure the marker is dry before proceeding to avoid smudging.
Vanish the Coin: Use your preferred coin vanish technique (e.g., French drop or classic palm) to make the coin disappear. Keep your hands natural and show both hands empty except for the one that secretly retains the coin. Common mistake: looking at your hands during the vanish. Keep eye contact with the spectator to sell the illusion.
Bring Out the Boxes: With your free hand, reach into your pocket and bring out the nested brass boxes (already assembled in order). Place them on the table or in your palm. The smallest box is inside the largest, and you'll open them one by one. Ensure the boxes are stacked correctly beforehand—largest outside, smallest inside—so you don't fumble.
Open the Boxes One by One: Open the largest box, revealing the next size inside. Remove that box, close the first, and set it aside. Continue opening each subsequent box, showing each is empty, until you reach the smallest box. Don't rush. Pause after each opening to let the suspense build. A common mistake is opening too quickly, which reduces the dramatic effect.
Reveal the Signed Coin: Open the smallest box and tip it to show the signed coin inside. Pick it up and hand it back to the spectator for verification. They will confirm it is their signed coin. If the coin doesn't slide out easily, gently tap the box. Avoid shaking it vigorously, which might reveal the method.

About the Prop

NESTED COIN BOX BRASS (4) BY MR. MAGIC: A borrowed and signed coin disappears, and later reappears inside a nest of brass boxes. Each time you open a box, there's another box inside. Finally, in the very last box, you find the borrowed, signed coin. This means you don't need to prepare a duplicate coin or use a gimmicked coin—the signed coin itself ends up inside the boxes, making the effect completely hands-off for the spectator.
NESTED COIN BOX BRASS (4) BY MR. MAGIC