The setup
You must be seated at a table, with spectators across from you rather than beside you. Keep your knees together under the table so your lap can catch something. Use an unbreakable shaker; never use a glass one for this.
- Introduce the coin. Put a coin on the table in front of you, about a forearm’s length from the edge. Say you will push it through the table.
- Wrap the shaker. Cover the salt shaker with a paper napkin and press the napkin tightly around it so the paper takes the shaker’s shape.
- First attempt. Place the covered shaker on the coin. Make a magical gesture, then lift the shaker (still in its napkin) and look at the coin. It is still there. Act mildly surprised.
- The drop. As everyone looks at the coin, bring the covered shaker back toward the edge of the table and rest your hand there for a moment. Loosen your grip and let the shaker slide out of the napkin into your lap. The paper keeps the shaker’s shape.
- Second attempt. Bring the empty napkin shell back over the coin, handling it as though the shaker is still inside. Explain that you will push harder this time.
- Smash. Slam your hand down on the napkin, crushing it flat. Let the surprise land. Then reach under the table with your other hand, take the shaker from your lap, and bring it up from beneath the table.
The secret in plain clothes: The coin is only there to direct attention. Nobody watches the shaker while the coin is "failing," which is exactly when the shaker leaves.
Timing
The drop happens during the moment of surprise after the first attempt, when everybody looks at the coin. Do not look down at your lap. Keep talking to the coin, and keep the arm relaxed at the table edge as if you are simply waiting.
If it goes wrong
If the paper collapses as the shaker leaves, the napkin was not pressed tightly enough; mould it longer and use a slightly thicker napkin. If someone sits beside you, save this trick for another table. Clean up afterwards; it is a restaurant, not your rehearsal room.
Next: The coin through the napkin