Roy Kueppers Expanded Shell (U.S. Quarters)

A Versatile Coin Gimmick That Fits Into Just About Any Act

Coin tricks have been a hallmark of performance artists and magicians since time immemorial. Though the true “Trick” behind any good coin gimmick is the ability to use it in multiple parts of your act. This particular coin gimmick by Roy Keuppers is what’s known as an “Expanded Shell Coin Gimmick.” It comes set up to work with standard US quarters.

The term “Expanded Shell” means that with a reasonable amount of searching that it is possible to find other un-gaffed coins and matching fits. The expanded shell of this particular Roy Kueppers kit might also fit your other normal-sized gaff coins such as your favorite flipper coin.

Choosing Between An Expanded Or Unexpanded Shell

There is more than a fair amount of debate about which is better in a coin gimmick an expanded or unexpanded shell. The difference between the two is somewhat subtle, and may factor into the spectators perception of the trick.

When it comes to an unexpanded shell, there is no noticeable distortion to the face. It only fits over a coin that has been reduced in size by some means. It isn’t a normal coin. With an expanded shell, it fits snugly over a standard coin. What it ultimately boils down to is the level of scrutiny you want your participant to have over the coin. Many performance street magicians will argue that a participant is more likely to notice one an expanded shell if it is mixed in with other normal coins.

Though neither expanded and unexpanded shells can be shown from the back. Which might play into how you use your slight of hand in the coin gimmick portion of your act.