History:
     I learned this effect from a ghost....well, sort of. At age eight, I was spending the night with a friend named Eric. We had stayed up all night long and in the wee ours of Sunday morning, just before dawn, I found a thin paperback book in his room. The title was "Spooky Tricks", I do not remember the author. Floating throughout the book was a cartoon ghost teaching magic tricks with spooky themes. Before going home the next day, I borrowed the book and my interest in magic was born.

     This was the first effect that I ever learned. It looked so magical as I practiced it in the mirror that I worked even harder to get the moves down so I could show it to somebody. Over the years I have made subtle improvements that make the over all effect even more magical. It is so strong that it can be done alone, however, I sometimes use it as the final coin penetration in Michael Ammar's "Coins thru Silk" routine. It came as no surprise when he presented a similar ending to the trick in his "Money Magic" video series. Though I hardly believe he got the idea from me, it's nice to know that we reached the same conclusion however it came to pass. The effect is absolutely killer.

     Today, if somebody wants me to teach them a trick, especially a youngster, I teach them this in hopes that it will inspire the love of magic that it gave me. I also hope it does the same for you.

Effect:
The audience sees a coin twisted into the center of a handkerchief, then impossibly penetrate the fabric. The only explaination is that the coin tore it's way free, or there was a hole in the cloth to begin with. However, when they are allowed to open out the handkerchief, there is no hole. It's magic.

Secret:
There is an age-old secret in magic called the "handkerchief fold" employed here.

Preparation:
No formal preparation is needed. The effect can be performed on-the-spot and with borrowed items, but people don't carry pocket handkerchiefs like they used to. Just to be on the safe side, you might want to carry one in case it can't be obtained from them.

Performance & Handling:
     The coin (a quarter or above) is borrowed and can even be initialed if desired. It is held by the bottom edge by the thumb (behind) and the fore and middle fingers (front) of the right hand on display for the audience. (Fig 1)

     The left hand covers the coin with the handkerchief making sure the coin is about dead center. With the left forefinger, press a fold of cloth between the coin and thumb. This will go unoticed in the pretentious movements of centering the coin in the cloth. (Fig 2)