Retention Vanish

How to Make a Coin Disappear in Plain Sight

You show a coin held clearly between your thumb and finger. You slowly place it into your other hand. Your friends actually see the coin go into your palm. But when you open your hand, it's completely gone. This is the Retention Vanish, and it's one of the most visual ways to make a coin vanish because the spectator’s brain thinks it still sees the coin even after it’s gone.

The Step-by-Step Breakdown

This lesson is split into two parts. First, you’ll see the move in real-time and in super slow motion. This helps you see how the hands should move together. Then, you’ll get a deep dive into the "why" and "how." The instructor walks you through the exact finger placement, how to "screen" the coin with your hand, and how to move your arms so the vanish looks completely natural.

How Hard is the Retention Vanish?

This is a moderate move that takes some coordination. You don't need years of experience, but you will need to practice the timing. The hardest part isn't the "steal" itself—it's making sure your hands don't look stiff. You'll need to spend a few days getting the "pull" movement smooth so you don't make any noise or let the coin peek through your fingers.

About Jose Arcario

Jose Arcario is an award-winning magician from Spain who competed at FISM, the world championships of magic. He’s a pro at "micromagic," which means he knows exactly how to make small objects look like they’ve truly vanished into thin air. He’s great at pointing out the tiny details that most people miss.

What You'll Learn About the Retention Vanish

• The specific thumb and index finger grip that makes the move work.
• How to use your hand as a "screen" to hide the secret movement.
• The "pull" technique to snap the coin into a finger palm.
• How to move toward your sleeve to justify why your hand is moving.
• Tips for avoiding "windows" (flashing the coin through the gaps in your fingers).
• How to do the move while wearing rings without making a "clink" sound.

Common Questions About the Retention Vanish

Do I need to watch these in a specific order?
Yes. Watch the performance first so you know what the goal looks like. Then watch the explanation to learn the mechanics.

How much should I practice before showing someone?
You should practice until you can do the "pull" without looking at your hands. Once you can do it while talking in a mirror without seeing a "flash" of the coin, you're ready.

What if my hands are small?
The size of your hands doesn't matter as much as your finger position. Jose shows you exactly where to hold the coin so your fingers hide it no matter your hand size.

Is it okay to wear rings while doing this?
Jose actually shows you the dangers of wearing rings in the video. He teaches you how to adjust your grip so the coin doesn't hit your ring and make a noise that gives the trick away.