Controlled Currency

The following effect, which is a combination mental routine and conjuring, was one of Ted Annemann's favorites. You will find it clean cut and direct and injected throughout the routine are a number of clever subtleties that are baffling to the layman and confounding to magicians.

Effect

The performer borrows two dollar bills and has them folded and inserted in two pay envelopes. One of the audience is selected as the subject and takes the envelopes, mixes them and selects one. The performer asks him to open the envelope and look at the number on the bill. As soon as he begins to concentrate on the number, the performer reads his mind and calls out the number.

The subject now opens the second envelope and reads aloud the number on the other bill. This bill is sealed in another envelope which is burned. While it is still burning, the performer reaches into his pocket and brings forth a small metal box which is locked with a combination lock. This box is handed to the person who had loaned the bill.

By now the bill and the envelope have been reduced to ashes, and the performer announces that he intends to restore the bill and have it pass into the box which is being held up in view of everyone. He removes a card and reads off the combination of the lock, and the person with the box opens the lock, lifts the lid of the box and finds the bill intact.