Abstract: The code and record medium of the present invention is comprised of a plurality of code marks which are positioned around the periphery of one or more circles in a predetermined sequence, on a record member, for merchandise marking or other appropriate use. One or more of the code marks can be designated to be a marker for an orientation of the code sequence. A machine can read the code marks by scanning the code marks with a light beam, or other suitable scanner, as an associated article of merchandise, for example, is moved transversely across the scan path of the beam. Light reflections from the code marks are detected and converted into corresponding electrical signals. The electrical signals are then compared against known valid signals to eliminate false signals not corresponding to known code marks.