Magic routines put different demands on a note than film or photography — sleight of hand needs consistent weight and flexibility across every note in the stack, since a single stiffer or heavier note can give a technique away up close.
Close-up magic, performed inches from an audience's eyes, is the most demanding use case for any prop note — anything that looks obviously synthetic under that scrutiny breaks the illusion faster than almost any other performance context.
A single $20 or $50 note is the standard unit for most classic routines (vanishes, productions, transformations); a full stack is more useful for routines built around counting or fanning a larger amount.
As with every use case, our notes are reduced-scale and marked NOT LEGAL TENDER — worth knowing if a routine puts the note briefly in an audience member's hands, since the marking is what keeps that moment unambiguous.
Frequently asked
What denomination is most common for magic routines?
A single $20 or $50 note covers most classic close-up routines; a stack suits counting or fanning-based tricks.
Is prop money safe to hand to an audience member during a trick?
Yes — every note is clearly marked NOT LEGAL TENDER, so there's no ambiguity if a routine briefly puts it in someone's hands.