Note that different moves and techniques have been called 'Gypsy Switch' over the decades. See for example a technique to switch bills using an envelope: Gypsy Switch. The technique described here by Jon Racherbaumer uses a handkerchief and is mostly used with coins, but the basic technique is flexible and utilitarian, which means any object that is conveniently flat and compact can be switched for a similar object, using a handkerchief. This includes objects such as coins, poker chips, billets, cards (business and torn playing card pieces), and folded currency.

In its antecedent form this move appeared in Modern Magic (1886). However, the first direct published source is generally given as "A Sharper's Coin Trick" by G. W. Hunter in The Magic Wand (March-May, 1926). Hunter's version was apparently an adaptation of the old purse swindle so that it could be presented as a conjuring trick. (Those interested in the purse swindle should read Eddie Joseph's Coin and Money Magic and Victor Farelli's Convincing Coin Magic.)

This PDF tracks and explores different variations, uses and applications of this versatile move.

INTRODUCTION
PREFACE
THE GYPSY SWITCH / Hume-Draper-Johnsson
SILENT GYPSY / Edward Marlo
COPPER/SILVER ROUTINE / Jimmy Buffaloe
THE PULL-THROUGH CONCEALMENT / Jimmy Buffaloe
GRAND THEFT / Tom Craven
THE HAND IS QUICKER THAN THE EYE / Gerald Edmunson
GYPSY SWITCH McCOMB STYLE / Wayne Rogers
GYPSY HEIRS / Rick Johnsson
PSYCHIC EXCHANGE / Curtis Kam
SWIMMING OVER FATHOMS / Robert Neale
COINCONCATENATION / Hume-Austin-Johnsson