Abstract: A mechanical coin checking device comprises a coin channel having a running rail, a coin acceptance shaft connected to the coin channel, a blocking element which is pivoted into the coin acceptance shaft if no coin is present and which, due to the weight thereof, pivots, after entry of a coin into the acceptance shaft, releases the acceptance shaft and blocks the coin channel at the same time, a confirmation photoelectric barrier which is disposed in the acceptance channel and detects the passage of a coin, an optical sensor for detecting the position of the blocking element and a control unit connected to the confirmation photoelectric barrier and to the optical sensor, the control unit, as a function of the signals of the confirmation photoelectric barrier and of the optical sensor, producing a credit signal for acceptance of the coin falling through the acceptance shaft.