Reviewed by J C Sum.
Over the past 18 years, I’ve amassed and handled quite a few jumbo coins. I used a 3″, 5″ and 7″ in the course of my professional work but now use a couple of 3″, 3.5″ and 7″ Morgan Silver Dollars in my formal close-up show.
Like I did with my “Ultimate Shell Game Shells” Review before, this is an attempt to provide a comprehensive list of all the jumbo coins in the market that magicians can utilize in coin magic routines & effects. Not all coins are made the same! I also discuss electro-plating coins at the end of the article.
Where possible, I have taken photos of the coins on hand with the matching real coin for size comparison. If not, photos have been taken from the manufacturers or magic retailers’ websites. This post is for educational purposes and no intellectual property infringement is intended.
Below are the coins with retail price. The coins are categorized by denomination/ currency.
KENNEDY HALF DOLLAR
3″ Jumbo Coin
Mass Market – US$3.00
3″ Kennedy in original state
3″ Kennedy with white chrome plating
The most common coin jumbo coin is made from zinc cast iron. This is sold in many magic & novelty shops. It tends to be a very dull grey due to oxidation, but it can be polished up to a bright shine. But, the coin will dull in a day with use, due to the oils in your hands. It is lightweight and the quality of the impressions vary. This has a smooth and most times, uneven edge due to the making process.
Viking Magic – US$3.00
3″ Kennedy in original state
This coin is made from aluminum and has very good details. It is quite lightweight but the impressions are sharp. It can also polish up to be bright shine but dulls quickly with use. This has a smooth and most times, uneven edge due to the making process. There is a difference in weight and feel with this coin and the zinc cast iron ones.
China/ Taiwan Chromed Half Dollar – US$4.95
3″ Kennedy with white chrome plating
This is a chromed coin with milled edges with a weight slightly heavier than the zinc cast iron coins. It is well made and the cheapest of all chromed coins. My only gripe with this company, Approach China Magic, is that they pirate all their magic products so I would suggest that they not be supported. This is included for the sake of completeness of the review.
Here is one plated coin from Taiwan, origins unknown, but judging by the price, it must have come from Taiwan or China. It is not white chromed but nickel plated. This plating gives a very realistic looking silver jumbo Kennedy. See my comments on plating at the end of this article.
3″ Kennedy with nickel plating
Johnson Magic Products – US$6.00
The Johnson coin seems like a similar quality to Vikings but is twice the price. I’m not sure if it is the same manufacturer but the quality and detail is very good. The weight is heavier than the zinc cast iron coin and it can be polished to a bright shine as well but will still oxidize. This has a smooth and most times, uneven edge due to the making process.
Viking Magic Half Dollar Jumbo Deluxe – US$10.00
3″ Kennedy with white chrome plating
This coin is slightly under 3″ and is chromed. It also has milled edged.
Todd Plaster Chrome Half Dollar – US$22
3″ Kennedy with white chrome plating
This is a white chromed coin with sharply milled edges. I’ve heard that the quality of the coin varies. I do not have the half dollar but have the Morgan Dollar and it was badly made as the edges were not cut clean and the coin was chromed, leaving jagged bits of metal all around the coins. However, people have also said good things about the coin. My personal dislike with this coin and all of his coins is that there is a wide border rim all around the coin.
There is also a gold version of this coin.
Keith Bennett Magic Nickel Plated Kennedy – GPB$7
3″ Kennedy with nickel plating
For a nickel plated coin, this is a reasonable price and should polish up well as long as the plating lasts. It also has a tiny hole drilled near the bottom edge so that you can hang it from your belt for a steal. I’m not sure if the edges are milled or smooth but judging by the price, I would say smooth as I think the core is either the zinc cast iron or aluminum coin.
Sasco 3″ Chrome Regular – $16.00/ re-edged $23.00
This is listed on there website catalog with no photo and information. Sasco products have varying qualities but this might be worth contacting them about.
Innovative Deceptions Pure Silver Jumbo Half Dollar – US$450
Pure Silver 3″ Kennedy
This is the most realistic and most expensive coin on the market. It was custom made for the magician and is heavy. Since it is real silver, it will polish up well and tarnish like real silver. You can choose to have the edges milled or smooth.
J C’s Thoughts on 3″ Kennedy Half Dollars:
The best value for money 3″ Jumbo Coins are the ones from Viking Magic and Johnson Magic Products.
I personally do not like the white chromed coins as they look too “fake” and shiny. Polish up the Viking or Johnson coins or even the Zinc Cast Iron coins till they shine and they look much more like real coins. The only problem is they tarnish and oxidize very fast. I suggest nickel plating the coin. See my comments on plating at the end of this article.
However, if white chromed coins appeal to you, I might be inclined to go with Viking’s. I have not seen Viking’s Deluxe Half Dollar but I trust Viking’s quality that it will be a decent product. However, if you intend to use a [, you might need to get Todd Plaster’s as he makes a chromed [ for his 3″ Kennedy Halves. See my review of [s below.
Larger than 3″ Jumbo Coin
Giant Proof Kennedy Half Dollar – starting from US$200
1/2 Pound 3.5″ Kennedy with Silver plating
This is a 3.5″, 1/4″ thick, 1 pound heavy coin. I have not handled this particular coin but I believe it will be similar to the Morgan Dollar equivalent that I have. See below for details.
Sasco Magic Gigantic 4 1/4″ Half Dollar – $43.00
This is listed on there website catalog with no photo and information other than it has a “high shine”. Sasco products have varying qualities but this might be worth contacting them about.
4.5″ Jumbo Half Dollar – US$33.00
Pewter or Aluminum Alloy 4.5″ Kennedy
This coin is a fairly well detailed coin and is about 1cm thick. It seems to be made from aluminum or pewter but will not polish to a shine. It is lightweight for its size and has a nice feel to it. This coin has smooth edges. It appears to be a remake or modeled after the 5″ coin reviewed below. It is currently sold at The Magic Warehouse.
5″ Pewter Half Dollar – US$40
Pewter or Aluminum Alloy 5″ Kennedy
I got this coin from Magic Inc in Chicago in 1993. I have not seen it since. It looks like the one Albert Goshman used as well as Dominique Duvivier in his tribute act. It seems to be made of pewter and has very good detail. It is very thick and has a nice weight, but would be considered light for its size. It cannot be polished to a shine but it has a nice authentic worn and circulated feel to it. This coin has smooth edges. During the time I worked with half dollars before switching to Morgans, I personally used this coin in my professional work for 15 years.
My guess is you would have to hunt this coin down on auction sites.
Todd Plaster Chrome 5″ Half – US$65
5″ Kennedy with nickel plating or white chrome (?)
The detail of this coin is very good and the edges are milled. It is well chromed and the coin is heavy. Personally, I would have preferred it if the coin were thicker. Like the 3″ coin, I find the border rim too wide for my liking.
There is also a gold version of this coin.
Todd Plaster Chrome 7″ Half – US$90
3″ Kennedy with nickel plating or white chrome (?)
I have not seen this coin but I do own the 7″ Morgan Dollar. If this coin is similar, then it is a very nice coin. From what I have seen, the detail of this coin is very good and the edges are milled. It is well chromed (or nickel plated if it is the same as the Morgan) and the coin is heavy. The size of the coin renders the border rim around the coin insignificant as it is now proportionate to the coin. See my thoughts on the Morgan below.
Anton Corradin Magnetic Jumbo Coin (US Half Dollar) – US$110
7″ Magnetic Lightweight Kennedy
This is a very lightweight coin that has a nice thickness to it. The benefits are that it is magnetic so it can be held-out easily under your jacket or table. The weight of the coin also allows for easy hold-outs for a coin this size. The only downside is that the detail of the coin is not good or 100% accurate and the impressions are actually quite mild. It might have been a trade-off to get the coin lightweight and magnetic. Great for parlour, stage work or darker places where you want to get a reaction of a huge coin but discerning magicians might not be happy with the lack of detail.
Chrome 10″ Half Dollar – US$250
10″ Plastic Kennedy with white chrome -like finishing
I’m not sure who makes this coin but it is the biggest half dollar currently in the market. It is molded from plastic and finished in chrome and looks like real silver. I’m not sure if the edges are smooth or milled. In John Mendoza’s Book of John (Vol 1), he had a 12″ coin that was a wall decorative piece. I have not been able to find anything that large yet. You can get this 10″ coin from Hocus Pocus.
J C’s Thoughts on Larger than 3″ Kennedy Half Dollars:
A favourite is subjective as it depends on how big a coin you want to produce and if you have the means to do so. Personally, for the value, my favourite over-sized jumbo coin is the 5″ pewter half dollar because it is nice and thick while still not too heavy. The next would be the newer 4.5″ coin which is similar or the 3.5″ giant proof .999 silver Half Dollar.
WALKING LIBERTY HALF DOLLAR
Mass Market – US$3.00
The most common coin jumbo coin is made from zinc cast iron. This is sold in many magic & novelty shops. It tends to be a very dull grey due to oxidation, but it can be polished up to a bright shine. But, the coin will dull in a day with use, due to the oils in your hands. It is lightweight and the quality of the impressions vary. This has a smooth and most times, uneven edge due to the making process.
Viking Magic – US$3.00
3″ Walking Liberty in original state
This coin is made from aluminum and has very good details. It is quite lightweight but the impressions are sharp. It can also polish up to be bright shine but dulls quickly with use. This has a smooth and most times, uneven edge due to the making process. There is a difference in weight and feel with this coin and the zinc cast iron ones.
Johnson Magic Products – US$6.00
3″ Walking Liberty with Silver Plating
The Johnson coin seems like a similar quality to Viking’s but is twice the price. I’m not sure if it is the same manufacturer but the quality and detail is very good. The weight is heavier than the zinc cast iron coin and it can be polished to a bright shine as well but will still oxidize. This has a smooth and most times, uneven edge due to the making process. While I have the Johnson jumbo Walking Liberty, I do not currently see it on their site.
Keith Bennett Magic Silver Plated Walking Liberty – GPB$10
For a silver plated coin, this is a reasonable price and should polish up well as long as the plating lasts. It also has a tiny hole drilled near the bottom edge so that you can hang it from your belt for a steal. I’m not sure if the edges are milled or smooth but judging by the price, I would say smooth as I think the core is either the zinc cast iron or aluminum coin.
Todd Plaster Chrome Walking Liberty Half Dollar – US$45
3″ Walking Liberty with White Chrome Plating
This is a white chromed coin with sharply milled edges. I’ve heard that the quality of the coin varies. I do not have the half dollar but have the Morgan Dollar and it was badly made as the edges were not cut clean and the coin was chromed, leaving jagged bits of metal all around the coins. However, people have also said good things about the coin. My personal dislike with this coin and all of his coins is that there is a wide rim all around the coin.
There is also a gold version of this coin.
Innovative Deceptions Pure Silver Jumbo Half Dollar – US$450
Pure Silver 3″ Walking Liberty
This is the most realistic and most expensive coin on the market. It was custom made for the magician and is heavy. Since it is real silver, it will polish up well and tarnish like real silver. You can choose to have the edges milled or smooth.
J C’s Thoughts on 3″ Walking Liberty Half Dollars:
As with the Kennedy Half Dollars, the best value for money 3″ Jumbo Coins are the ones from Viking Magic and Johnson Magic Products. I would then have them silver plated to match the pure silver real Walking Liberty Halves well. See my comments on plating at the end of this article. If you have and are willing to splurge, then you can consider Innovative Deception’s Pure Silver Walking Liberty.
As far as I can tell, there are no Walking Liberty Half Dollars bigger than 3″ currently on the market except the Giant Proof Silver Eagle .999 Pure Silver. They come in different weights and the prices starts upwards of US$200. These have the Walking Liberty image on one side but not the same eagle image. I have not handled this particular coin but I believe it will be similar to the Morgan Dollar equivalent that I have. See below for my thoughts on the giant proof Morgan Dollar.
1 Pound 3.5″ Walking Liberty with Silver plating
MORGAN DOLLAR
Mass Market – US$3.00
3″ Morgan in original state
On the left, 3″ Morgan with Silver Plating. On the right, ” Morgan with White Chrome Plating
The most common coin jumbo coin is made from zinc cast iron. This is sold in many magic & novelty shops. It tends to be a very dull grey due to oxidation, but it can be polished up to a bright shine. But, the coin will dull in a day with use, due to the oils in your hands. It is lightweight and the quality of the impressions vary. This has a smooth and most times, uneven edge due to the making process.
Viking Magic – US$3.00
3″ Morgan in original state
This coin is made from aluminum and has very good details. It is quite lightweight but the impressions are sharp. It can also polish up to be bright shine but dulls quickly with use. This has a smooth and most times, uneven edge due to the making process. There is a difference in weight and feel with this coin and the zinc cast iron ones. I personally use a custom version of this coin, silver plated, in my professional work.
Johnson Magic Products – US$6.00
The Johnson coin seems like a similar quality to Vikings but is twice the price. I’m not sure if it is the same manufacturer but the quality and detail is very good. The weight is heavier than the zinc cast iron coin and it can be polished to a bright shine as well but will still oxidize. This has a smooth and most times, uneven edge due to the making process.
Keith Bennett Magic – Silver Plated Morgan Dollar – $GPB10
3″ Morgan with Silver Plating
For a silver plated coin, this is a reasonable price and should polish up well as long as the plating lasts. It also has a tiny hole drilled near the bottom edge so that you can hang it from your belt for a steal. I’m not sure if the edges are milled or smooth but judging by the price, I would say smooth as I think the core is either the zinc cast iron or aluminum coin.
Todd Plaster Chrome Morgan Silver Dollar – US$45
3″ Morgan with White Chrome Plating
This is a chromed coin with sharply milled edges. I’ve heard that the quality of the coin varies. I do not have the half dollar but have the Morgan Dollar and it was badly made as the edges were not cut clean and the coin was chromed, leaving jagged bits of metal all around the coins. However, people have also said good things about the coin. My personal dislike with this coin and all of his coins is that there is a wide rim all around the coin.
J C’s Thoughts on 3″ Morgan Silver Dollars:
As with the Kennedy & Walking Liberty Half Dollars, the best value for money 3″ Jumbo Coin is from Viking Magic and Johnson Magic Products. I would then have it silver plated to match the pure silver real Morgan Dollars well. See my thoughts on plating at the end of this article.
Larger than 3″ Jumbo Coin
Giant proof Morgan Dollar – US$100 – US$800
1 Pound 3.5″ Morgan with Silver plating
Like the giant proof Silver Eagle coin mentioned above, this coin comes in different weights. Mine is a 1lb. copper core .999 pure silver clad coin. It is a beautiful 3 1/2″ in diameter and 1/4″ thick coin. This coin has milled edges except a section with a serial number engraved on it. It is slightly bigger than a 3″ coin so, depending on the size of your hands, you might have difficulty palming it, also due to the weight. I use it as part of a formal close-up show so “ringing it in” is manageable. However, if you intend to do walk-around, unless you have large hands, this might be difficult to work with. But, it is a really beautiful jumbo Morgan. I personally use this coin in my professional work.
This is available from Hocus Pocus in limited supply so I recommend you get it quick.
There are also one troy pound silver Morgans (as well as other denominations) that feel the same. They cost anywhere from US350 – US$800 on ebay.
Todd Plaster Chrome 7″ Morgan – US$135
7″ Morgan with Nickel Plating
Bar none, this the most gorgeous giant Morgan that I have seen, own and use in my professional work. The detail of this coin is very good and the relief is very sharp. The thickness is just right and the coin is heavy with milled edges. The size of the coin renders the border rim around the coin insignificant as it is now proportionate to the coin. Best of all, this coin is not white chromed but heavy nickel plated. This matches the shine and tone of a slightly handled polished real silver Morgan very well.
There also used to be a 5″ Morgan for sale but there does not seem to be any listings for it now. I have one and I think it will be the same as the 5″ Kennedy Half Dollar. The plating for the 5″ is white chrome and the coin is thinner and personally, I would have preferred it if the coin were thicker. It is a very decent coin, but not as good as the 7″ one.
5″ Morgan with White Chrome Plating
CHINESE COINS
Ton Onosaka 2 3/8″/ 3″ Old Japanese Coins – US$18.00/ US$28.00
In my opinion, Ton has the best value for money Chinese coins (or old Japanese coins as it is marketed as) on the market in terms of quality, weight and precision. They come in the jumbo sizes mentioned again but also quarter, half dollar and dollar sizes. The back of the coin is a wave design not found in any other Chinese coin, authentic or replica.
Made from solid brass, the coins feel right and are perfect to use with other coins like a Kennedy Half or Walking Liberty Half. My Copper Silver Brass set uses a Morgan Silver Dollar and a Onosaka Dollar-sized Old Japanese coin made by Jamie Schoolcraft.
I should mention that the coins are sharply cut with sharp reliefs too. If you like more rounded smooth edges, you may either want to look for other coins or spend a bit of time sanding the sharp edges of the coin.
Joe Mogar 2 3/4″ Chinese Coin – US$25.00
This is a brass coin available in red or black. I have not personally handled this coin.
Royal Magic 3″ Chinese Coin – US$15.00
On the left, 3″ Royal Chinese Coin. One the right, Morgan Dollar-sized Brass Chinese Coin by Ton Onosaka
This is a nice looking coin BUT, it is very light and the plating comes off very quickly with use. Great to look when brand new at if you do not use it but not recommended for workers unless you have very light use. The back of this coin is a dragon design.
(Maker Unknown) Jumbo 3″ Chinese Coin – US$16.00
I saw this coin on a few magic dealers’ websites. I have not handled this coin but should point out that the Chinese characters are reversed and are incorrect. So, technically, the coin looks very wrong, unless you are performing in front of the mirror.
Todd Plaster 3″ Chinese Coin – US$45.00
I have not handled this coin but it looks well made with good detail. It also looks hefty and many people might like the fact that it visually matches (not exactly) Johnson’s Chinese coins as well as Tango’s.
Sasco Magic – 4 1/4″ Chinese Coin – $43.00
Again, this is listed on there website catalog with no photo and information other than it is “an authentic replica in brass and black”. Sasco products have varying qualities so you might want to contact them first for more details.
Chinese Replica Geomancy Coins – $ Varies
10″ Solid Brass Chinese Coin
If you are in a city with a large Chinese (not just Asian) population, you can get these replica coins from Chinatown or in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, you will be able to get these coins at wholesale price at different locations if you know where to find them. Prices will vary drastically for these coins as it is all about the location of the shop, the shop owner and how “tourist-y” you look. I have a variety of these coins and my biggest find was a huge brass coin that weighs.
You can dig through piles of replica coins of sizes ranging from quarter to 10″, of various quality, material, thickness, design and weight. As of 2011, due to the worldwide rise in the price of metal, the new batches of replica coins being produced seem to be much thinner than before; some are barely 2 mm thick. So, you may have to dig around to find “nice” coins.
J C’s Thoughts on Jumbo Chinese Coins:
If you are looking for a value for money and well made jumbo Chinese coin, I would recommend Ton Onosaka’s ones. They will work especially well if you want matching half dollar or dollar-sized coins.
If you are not looking to match coins perfectly, I recommend the Chinese geomancy coins as they can be relatively cheap, look authentic and can come in odd sizes that may favour you.
OTHER COINS
Here is a list of other jumbo coins available. I have not handled these coins before but listed them for the sake of completeness.
Indian Head Penny 3″ Jumbo Coin – US$3.00
Lincoln Head Penny 3″ Jumbo Coin – US$3.00
Twenty Dollar Gold Piece 3″ Jumbo Coin – US$3.00
Alakazam Jumbo 2.75″ 2 GBP – US$40.00
Roy Kneuppers 3″ Loonie – US$49.00
Roy Kneuppers 3″ Toonie – US$54.00
(Maker Unknown) 2.75″ 2 Euro – US$34.00
(Maker Unknown) 5″ 2 Euro – US$75.00
Anton Corradin Magnetic Jumbo Coin 7″ 2 Euro – US$110
I have not handled this coin before but going by the magnetic half dollar from Anton, I think the same pros and cons will apply.
Plastic Coins
These are plastic replicas of most popular coins and seem to be 2.5″ in diameter and can be bought on ebay. It might be useful if you have a specific need for a plastic lightweight coin.
JUMBO [
Good jumbo [s are in limited supply and one reason is that the demand is not great enough for it to be manufactured in large quantities. Techniques and methods of handling a jumbo [ are not widely available so not many magicians are looking for these.
Here is a short list of what is available.
2 1/4″ Nesting 3 Plus 1 Kennedy Half Dollar [ set- $57.50
This is a well-made set of 3 [s and a 2 1/4″ half dollar. The coins are chromed with good detail. The set is very deceptive and extremely lightweight (which can be good or bad depending on your needs and preferences). The coins are much thinner than a regular 3″ jumbo. Excellent for mat work or TV or for a formal show where the audience is at a slight distance.
You can get this at Stevens Magic Emporium.
3″ Chrome Kennedy Half Dollar [ – US$35.00
Todd Plaster makes matching chromed [ s to fit his 3″ coins. The quality is consistent with his jumbo coins. So the same comments apply.
Sasco Magic 3″ Half Dollar [ with matching coin – $43.00
This is listed on there website catalog with no photo and information. Sasco products have varying qualities but this might be worth contacting them about.
I have a set that I suspect is Sasco’s based on the price and because I must have bought it in 1994 or 1995 from a local magic dealer. The underside of the heads [ has a partial imprint of the tail side of the coin. The heads [ actually fits over the tail side of the coin inside of the heads side. This helps the fit to be fairly good. The edges are also milled. The coins are not chromed and are likely made of zinc cast iron. If anyone knows who made this set, let me know.
3″ Kennedy + [ in original state (Zinc Cast Make Unknown)
5″ Jumbo Kennedy Half Dollar + [ – US$100
I have no information on this set other than the size and that it is available from The Magic Warehouse.
2.75″ Joe Mogar Chinese Coin [ – US$65.00
I have not handled this before but on his website, Joe writes that the [ can be shown on both sides and it is gold plated.
2 1/4″ Chinese Coins Henry Evans – Chinese Economy ( US$220.00) and New Chinese Miser’s Dream (US$170.00)
These are two different sets of coins with different capabilities but all involve jumbo Chinese coins and [s. The jumbos are 2 1/4″ in diameter. With the New Chinese Miser’s Dream, you can show both sides of the coin.
These look very well made and deceptive but I have read that the finishing does not hold out well with use. This is something to consider for the price tag.
Roy Kneuppers Expanded 3″ Jumbo Loonie [ & Matching Jumbo Loonie – US$128.00
J C’s Thoughts on Jumbo Coin [s:
A good jumbo [ is elusive and I have not found one on the market that I was happy with so I had a set custom made by Xavier Belmont. I believe I am the first person that Xavier made a jumbo [ set for. It they will be costly, but, this will include a [ as well as a shaved down coin, with both coins re-edged and milled. I subsequently invested in having the [ and coin silver plated.
3″ Morgan + [ with Silver Plating
Jamie Schoolcraft, Todd Lassen & Roy Kneuppers should also have no problems machining custom jumbo [ s, so it is a matter if they have the time or want to take on the project. Personally, this is not a practical or economical solution for most but if you want the “perfect” [, this is the way to go. Or maybe someone reading this will take the cue and make jumbo [s for the Kennedy Half Dollar, Walking Liberty Half Dollar and Morgan Silver Dollar.
PLATING
I highly recommend getting your silver-coloured zinc cast iron or aluminum alloy jumbo coin electro-platedas it is a good investment. Plating the coin will ensure a bright impressive shine for performance and will save you time and effort in polishing up a coin that oxidizes easily.
A difficulty may be finding a vendor in your area to be able to do or would be willing to handle a small job like a single jumbo coin. Plating a coin in absolute cost is not expensive but relative to the price of the coin (depending on the coin you get), it will be many times the cost of the coin. The cost of plating differs from city/ country so you have to check around for prices. Generally, you will be plating either a zinc cast iron or aluminum alloy coin.
The most common plating for jumbo coins seems to be white chrome. But, while they are shiny, they do not look like real coins.
For nickel clad real coins, I suggest nickel plating the matching jumbo coin. It will give it a dull shine that looks realistic but will still eye-catching and will match your clad coins. So, this will work for the common Kennedy Half Dollars or Eisenhower Dollars. The cost of white chroming is (should be) the same as nickel plating, so there is no reason to white chrome a jumbo coin.
For pure silver coins, I would recommend silver plating the jumbo coin. This will work for the common Kennedy Silver Half Dollars, Walking Liberty and Morgan Silver Dollars. If you are on a budget, nickel plating can match a silver coin but lacks that brilliance in shine and gleam.
From left to right, Nickel Plated, White Chrome, Silver Plate, Original State
Regardless of the type of plating, the plating thickness must be specified and the thickness depends on how you are using your jumbo coin. You will want the coin to have a plating of between 10 – 20 microns. Anything less will be too thin and will wear off quickly with use. Unless you are only plating the coin to have it in a display case, you will need a thickness that will hold up to use.
For regular coin magic use, e.g. a one coin routine with a jumbo coin ending or an ending for a tabled card/ coin matrix routine, a plating of 10 – 15 micron will suffice. If you perform a routine with multiple coins where coins are striking each other constantly, you may want to go with a plating of 15 – 20 microns. Note, if the plating is too thick, it can also chip if you drop the coin on a hard surface.
The quality of the plating can be affected by various issues. The base material, smoothness of the material, cleanliness of the material, work quality of the plating vendor and other variables can sometimes cause runs, drips or bubbles in the plating. When you bring your coin to the vendor, you can politely ask if he/ she sees any issues or potential problems where the plating might run or bubble. If he/ she does not give you a confident or satisfactory answer, you may wanted to consider looking for another vendor.
If you intend to plate a coin, I highly recommend the aluminum alloy (Viking or Johnson) coin instead of the zinc cast iron coin. The aluminum alloy coin is better quality and has a better finish. Imperfections will affect the quality of the plating.
3″ Zinc Cast Iron coin with a bad White Chrome Plating job. Multiple tiny bubbles throughout the surface of the coin due to the base material of the coin.
Conclusion
I hope this review has been helpful. If you can provide any information on any of the above coins or any coins that I have missed out, please send me an email at jcsum(at) conceptmagic.biz
Sexy Magic Reviews 
Very detailed review! Nice one JC.