Abstract: A coin return control system for vending machines including an apparatus for comparing the counted number of deposited smaller denomination coins with the number of the smaller denomination coins corresponding to a denomination of a larger denomination coin. The system returns the larger denomination coin or coins instead of the deposited smaller denomination coins only when the smaller denomination coin is in its change running-out state. Since the change running-out state of the smaller denomination coins which are useful for use of change is adequately canceled, this increases the chance of a vending machine sale greatly. Moreover, since the substitution of the larger denomination coin for the smaller denomination coins is carried out only when the smaller denomination coin is in its change running-out state, use of the vending machine as a coin exchange machine can be adequately prevented.