Abstract: A coin-operated device is provided with a container defining a compartment for receiving a receptacle. The receptacle has a lock arresting the receptacle in the container upon insertion of the former into the latter, and a lid which can be locked in the closed position thereof. Coins inserted into the receptacle through a slot pass into a coin-distinguishing mechanism located in the interior of the receptacle, and the signal generated by the coin-distinguishing mechanism is conducted to terminals of the circuitry of the device to start the operation thereof.