Abstract: A coin sorting device which sorts a plurality of coins as the coins pass through a coin chute. The coin sorter includes a coin flap located in the coin chute. A solenoid moves the coin flap between a first and second position. A power supply provides power to the solenoid. An emitter passes a beam of light through the coin chute across a path of the coin and through the coin flap. A detector detects the light emitted by the emitter after the light has passed through the coin chute and through the coin flap and produces an output signal as a function of the detected light. The output signal corresponds to the passage of the coin along the path and through the beam of light. A control circuit inhibits the power supply from providing power to the solenoid as a function of the output signal. Other coin flap and light barrier combinations are also disclosed.