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.
Step-by-step guide to do the pen and coin trick
Step 1
Sit at a table and rest your elbows on the table to be steady.
Step 2
Place the coin and the pen on the table in front of you.
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.
Step 4
Pick up the pen with your other hand and hold it loosely like you will point with it.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Step 10
Immediately place the pen over the exact spot where the coin landed to hide the coin under the pen.
Step 11
Open your pen-hand to show it is empty so everyone thinks the coin vanished.
Step 12
Say a magic word or tap the pen to distract your audience for a moment.
Step 13
Slowly lift the pen to reveal the coin underneath and smile!
Step 14
Share your finished trick on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
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.
Watch videos on how to do the pen and coin trick
The Simplest Coin Trick You Will Ever Learn
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VISUAL PEN to COIN TRICK - TUTORIAL | TheRussianGenius
Facts about magic tricks for kids
⏱️ Practicing a trick just 10–15 minutes a day builds muscle memory so moves become smooth and natural.
🎩 Close-up magic is performed right under the audience’s nose using everyday items like pens and coins—perfect for surprising friends.
🪙 Coin magic is one of the oldest forms of magic—coins have been used in tricks for centuries.
🤹 Misdirection works because our brains can only focus on a few things at once, so magicians guide your attention away from the secret.
🪄 Sleight of hand is a set of quick, practiced finger moves magicians use to secretly control small objects.
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