Does anyone know what the position is with coin gaffers in the UK particularly, and the legal position of actually cutting a coin? The Treasury position is that you need permission to cut a coin and when I applied they say they never grant permission (don't worry I didn't mention coin magic!). So, do coin magicians merely hope no-one there finds out? What would be the penalty?

Up until a few years ago, you could still be hung for treason and that never happened so I shouldn't worry. I don't think eddie Gibson is public enemy number one for making coin uniques.

I guess it's one of those laws they turn a blind eye to. I really cant imagine anyone ever prosecuting you, that said I did read that there is an old law that would mean if caught they have the right to chop your hand off. Just kidding

Eddie Gibson has been to court many of times.

Matt

I stand corrected then, I just hope he still has both hand. who took him to court?

Hi Paul,

You used the term coin "uniques" in your above post and I wondered if that is a British expression for coin "gaffs"?

Matt... do you know what, if any, penalty Eddie Gibson received?

Regards, Steve

Yachanin: coin unique is a specific gimmick.see it here: http://www.eddiegibsonmagic.com/eurocoinunique.htm

I think that the law is generally not used, but 30 or so years ago a local guy was prosecuted for making shells. He had been warned by the police several times though.

What did the earlier post about people not being charged with treason ?
The charge was used during and after the war and one writer had to live in America as the case was still open !

Eddieloughran: Your right. But I heard some where that it was still law up until a few years ago (I could easily be very wrong on this), there must of been acts of treason committed in the last 10 years.... back on topic

you'd think the police would have better things to do with there time than pursue coin gaff makers. I recently made my own karate coin from a £2 coin. I guess I'd better beware who I show it to.

Thanks Paul. Nice effect, but I wish coin uniques was an expression for coin gaffs... it has a nice ring to it

Regards, Steve

Matt - can you say anything about what happened to Eddie? He is, after all, still producing his effects...

On the contrary, the police force in the UK will happily assign numerous officers to petty, insignificant 'crimes'. That's what they do mainly. Serious crime means actual hard work and we all know that they just can't be bothered with that.

"Someone's cutting up coins?!? Get the riot van immediately! That attempted murder case will just have to wait!"

Dave.

Believe it's no longer ilegal - I saw a sign on one of those "turn the handle and turn your penny onto a memento of Center Parcs" machines recently, with all the details on it.
Bruce

In the end I just rang Eddie and asked him what happened. The police came and busted his premises and took away the machines and coins. Eventually the Mint sent the police a letter saying it was OK, but wouldn't give Mr Gibson a copy of the letter to show police in future busts.

So that makes it OK!

Poire, anychance of PMing me Eddie's phone number as I want to order some of his effects but he will not answer my emails?

Dave (Forrest) - you've got it right there. How come they can catch 100% of speeders on any road they choose with, but just 1-10% of burglars? The only serious crime with a decent detection rate is murder. But burgalry, mugging and anti-social behaviour which make a hell of a lot of peoples' live a misery is rampant - and nothing is being done about it.

I'm pretty sure that it has nothing to do with anything except 2 things when it comes to many law enforcement agencies, exceptions notwithstanding of course.

1. Ease of apprehension
2. Probability of conviction

With speed limit violators it is just a simple matter of waiting and pointing a radar gun. Easy to stop with the proof to convict.

With coin uniquers (I like that term too) it is just a matter of knocking on the door and seizing property. Most cases require man & brain power to solve.

It's sad and in many cases reprehensible, but there it is; ease of apprehension & probability of conviction.

peace, charlie

If someone started making new coins out of raw material I could see how the powers that be might take an interest...but if someone is modifying a coin that's already in circulation, that's seems like it'd be another story. And I think that post about all those penny smashing machines hits the nail on the head.

When it comes to currency taking currency out of circulation is almost as dangerous to an economy as counterfiting it is.
Counterfiting is much more prevelant however so that is where the greater focus is. The amount of coins that get sacraficed for magic is really pretty low in the grand scheme of things thou.