Abstract: An apparatus for discriminating specified sorts of printed matter is provided with a magnetic sensor reading an identification pattern that is printed on printed matter such as a bill, a check and the like using magnetic ink and outputting a pattern signal; a standard memory part storing a standard signal; and a comparison part comparing the above-mentioned pattern signal with the above-mentioned standard signal in their respective reference positions and also in a position where they are made to offset relatively from those reference positions; whereby the precision in identifying the printed matter is improved.