by jim ferguson » Oct 29th, '13, 02:02
That was similar to my first thought as well Dale, but the more I thought about it the more problems I seen. Then I began thinking about the the OPs actual intent and again, the more I thought about it the more problems I seen (if I have the intended effect correctly).
The holdout would mean purchasing four (actually six - more on this in a moment) gimmicked coins. Only four of our eight circulated coins (discounting the five pound coin) are "attractive".
Naychandler1 - you mention that the purpose of this is to switch a borrowed coin for one of your own behind your back. And that this coin can be freely chosen by the spectator from their own change, with no force. Now I'm assuming the coin you want to switch in is of the same denomenation as the borrowed coin ? If I'm mistaken here and its a switch for a different coin all together then what I'm about to say won't apply. I'm also assuming that the spectator will clearly see the coin both before it is handed to you and some time after your hands are brought forwards again. Now if both these assumption are correct then I can see a major problem.
We have nine coins in circulation in the UK. The five pound coin, being more uncommon could be ommited here, leaving you with eight. However four of these have two kinds which are distinctly different - 1p, 2p, 5p and 10p. The ones and twos have those which are like new, bright and shiny. Then there are those which are brown, with no shine at all. The diffference between the two is immedietley obvious. Then we have the five and ten pences. Lately these can be classed in two distinct categories - the nice new shiny ones which are flooding the place and the old ones. The difference between these is very noticable as well.
This means that to cover every coin that could possibly be given, you're going to have to have a total of twelve coins concealed behind your back - otherwise you could run the risk of the switch being noticed, if one of the above four are chosen.
Now you may be aware of all this and have a way around it. Or you may indeed be planning on holding out twelve coins in your belt. If so just ignore my ramblings. It was just what came to mind whilst pondering your post.
Jim