When choosing a coin you should take into consideration whether it is in freshly minted uncirculated condition or has heavy wear otherwise known as being "soft". This will effect the ability to remain silent during some sleight-of-hand moves.

When coins are freshly minted they are considered uncirculated and the artwork is at its maximum height and definition. When coins are rubbed together these uneven surfaces scratch together and create noise or "talk". Some complex moves in coin magic require the coins to slide against one another and secret moves may be heard by the spectator exposing the magic. This problem is amplified in a quiet room but may not be an issue in a loud bar or restaurant. One benefit of uncirculated coins is the reeded/milled edge will be deep which aids in gripping the edge of the coin.

Top row uncirculated, Bottom row soft (worn)

As coins travel from pocket to pocket the metal wears down and the coin becomes smooth. This is most common with real silver coins as it is not as hard as clad, brass, or steel materials. Having well worn "soft" coins will help you perform coin magic with the least amount of sound as friction is reduced. One negative aspect of soft coins is the edge will also become smooth removing the milled edge and becoming slippier when held by the edge. Newer coins can be smoothed out or softened by sanding the coins and edges can also be re-milled by a professional

The soft coins pictured below had a perfectly smooth edge until they were re-milled by Roy Kueppers to have a deeply reeded edge.

Left column uncirculated, Right column soft (worn)

See the video below for a comparison of the sound made by uncirculated coins versus soft coins. The more a coin is worn down the quieter it is.