talkmagic.co.uk

El Satanico wrote:I have the fortunate position of being paid to do magic and I'd say go for the local currency everytime. There's nothing that screams gimmick more loudly than someone producing US dollars while performing in Australia for example.

I recently returned from Canada and had gimmicks made in Canadian "loonies" for my coin work as well making a gimmick for Extreme Burn in Canadian dollars. - This is the performers luxury though, the cost is justifiable as the "gig will pay for it".

If you do go for the half dollar option I'd use the coin in conjuction with some other coin effects. Get the audience used to holding/examining the coins then switch in your gimmicks - the coins across routine seems like an obvious finale.

As an aside whilst performing in San Francisco I was questioned numerous times about US half dollars - they are almost entirely out of circulation over ther and some people were more eager to examine them for nostalgia's sake than out of any suspicion!