Perhaps the most notable effect using a Chinese coin is the "Copper, Silver, Brass" effect. This set of coins includes a Mexican centavo (copper), US half dollar (silver), and Chinese coin (brass). The coins are gimmicked in such a way that the silver coin transposes (changes places) with the copper and brass coins when separated. The Copper, Silver, Brass effect typically involves separating the silver coin, then transposing the two foreign coins with the silver coin multiple times. Finally, the coins travel to the pocket and may be handed for examination.
The Chinese coin may also be used in "Ring and Rope" routines, as its center hole allows it to be threaded onto a shoelace or ribbon. In this type of effect, usually a set of three Chinese coins are threaded onto a shoelace, and are caused to penetrate the shoelace singly, until all three coins are free. Utilizing sleight of hand and standard "ring and string" moves, this effect may be performed with gimmicked Chinese coins and a normal shoelace.
The most common two-coin transpositions make use of the unique differences in color and shape of the Chinese coin and the U.S. half dollar. The half dollar is separated from the Chinese coin, then tapped, whereupon it transforms into the Chinese coin, while the original Chinese coin is uncovered and shown to be the half dollar. This effect, commonly marketed under the name "Lethal Tender," utilizes a gimmicked coin to achieve the transposition effect, though the gimmick differs slightly from the "Copper, Silver, Brass" effect.