Unseen Forces by Al Desmond

Experience the magic of Unseen Forces, where a simple playing card and an ordinary half dollar create a mesmerizing illusion. The magician holds the card delicately between the thumb and index finger, showcasing both sides before placing the coin on its back. With an outstretched arm, the performer astonishes the audience as the coin seemingly levitates, rising and hovering nearly half an inch above the card before gently returning. The coin can be handed to spectators for inspection, ensuring that there are no threads, magnets, or sleight of hand involved.

This captivating effect was inspired during the summer of 1980 when I sought to adapt the classic Rapping Spirit Hand into a compact, close-up illusion. Armed with a small rubber hand, I aimed to create a tapping effect on a playing card. At the TAOM convention that September, I presented my concept to John Cornelius, who sparked my creativity with insightful suggestions. “Let’s use a coin instead of the hand,” he advised, emphasizing the importance of keeping the card’s edge to a single thickness. After making these adjustments, the result was the astonishing Unseen Forces.