Do the Pen and Coin Trick
Learn and perform a simple pen and coin magic trick using a pen and a coin, practicing sleight of hand and misdirection to amaze friends.
About this activity
Learn and perform a simple pen and coin magic trick using a pen and a coin, practicing sleight of hand and misdirection to amaze friends.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Sit at a table and rest your elbows on the table to be steady.
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Step 2
Place the coin and the pen on the table in front of you.
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Step 3
Pick up the coin with the hand you write with and hold it between your thumb and first two fingers so everyone can see it.
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Step 4
Pick up the pen with your other hand and hold it loosely like you will point with it.
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Step 5
Slide the coin to the base of your fingers and curl your fingers so the coin rests hidden in your palm (this is called palming).
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Step 6
Open your hand slightly so the back of your hand looks normal while the coin stays tucked at the base of your fingers.
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Step 7
Bring your pen-hand over the coin and pretend to tap the coin with the pen while keeping the coin palmed in your writing hand.
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Step 8
Close your pen-hand into a fist as if it has the coin while you secretly keep the coin palmed in your writing hand.
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Step 9
Make a small quiet motion to drop the palmed coin onto the table near your pen-hand so it lands out of sight.
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Step 10
Immediately place the pen over the exact spot where the coin landed to hide the coin under the pen.
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Step 11
Open your pen-hand to show it is empty so everyone thinks the coin vanished.
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Step 12
Say a magic word or tap the pen to distract your audience for a moment.
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Step 13
Slowly lift the pen to reveal the coin underneath and smile!
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Step 14
Share your finished trick on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you perform a simple pen and coin magic trick step-by-step?
Start seated at a table with a coin in your dominant hand and a pen in the other. Place the coin on the table and lay the pen across it. Pretend to press the pen through the coin while sliding the coin secretly into your palm (the classic palm vanish). Use your free hand to cover the pen briefly and distract the audience. Practice the smooth slide and a confident reveal showing the coin has “disappeared.”
What materials do I need to learn the pen and coin trick?
You only need a smooth pen and a flat coin (penny-sized or larger). A table with a non-slip surface helps practice. Optional: a small soft cloth to muffle sound and protect the table, and a mirror or phone camera to watch your angles. Avoid very small coins for young children. Practicing on a soft pad reduces noise while you perfect the sleight of hand.
What ages are suitable for trying the pen and coin trick?
This trick suits children about 6 years and up, since it requires finger dexterity and timing. Younger kids can try with close adult supervision and slower steps. Older children and teens can add misdirection and showmanship. Tailor expectations: beginners may need weeks of practice. Encourage short practice sessions to build fine motor skills without frustration.
Is the pen and coin trick safe for kids and what precautions should I take?
Information not available.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have a coin or a pen for the trick?
If you don't have a coin use a small round button or a metal washer and if you don't have a pen use a pencil or a slim marker, then follow the same palming, tap, and pen-covering steps with those substitutes.
What should I do if the coin slips out when I try to palm it?
If the coin slips during the slide-and-palm step, try a slightly thicker coin like a quarter, move the coin to the base of your fingers more firmly, and keep your hand relaxed while practicing the small quiet motion to drop it onto the table.
How can I adapt the trick for younger or older kids?
For younger children, use a large plastic coin and slow, exaggerated motions while keeping elbows on the table, and for older kids add faster misdirection by saying a magic word and closing the pen-hand into a fist quickly for a sharper reveal.
How can we make the trick more impressive or personal?
Personalize the trick by decorating the pen as a magic wand, practice making the coin land silently under the pen during the small quiet motion so the reveal is clean, and record the final performance to share on DIY.org.