The Koran Medallion is a classic mentalism effect devised by Al Koran, a British mentalist renowned for his influential contributions to twentieth-century mentalism. The Koran Medallion is structured as a prediction routine: the performer invites three audience members to each name a single-digit number, which are then combined to form a three-digit number. The Koran Medallion is revealed when the magician produces a medallion — housed in a jewelry box — bearing an inscription that matches the freely chosen three-digit number. All props, including the medallion, are examinable after the revelation.
This effect is celebrated for its elegant method, adaptability to various performance settings, and its ability to generate a sense of impossibility. The Koran Medallion leverages psychological principles of audience engagement and apparent randomness, making it a staple in the repertoire of mentalists. The effect’s structure allows for significant theatrical build-up and can be performed for both small and large audiences. Variants and reinterpretations exist, but the original Al Koran method remains a benchmark for prediction effects in mentalism. The Koran Medallion demonstrates the intersection of prediction, audience participation, and the illusion of precognition, establishing its legacy among mentalists and magicians.