Abstract: A method for operating an electronic coin validator, wherein at least one test probe generates a measuring signal if a coin passes the probe. The digitized measuring signal is compared with an upper and a lower reference value which define an acceptance band. A validity signal is generated if the measuring signal lies within the acceptance band. The measuring signal is also compared with a second upper and lower reference value defining a second acceptance band which is narrower than the first acceptance band relative to at least one of the reference values. The second acceptance band is alternatively used for the generation of the validity signal if the measuring signal of at least one coin is outside the second acceptance band, whereas the first acceptance band is used if the measuring signal of at least one coin is within the second acceptance band.