Abstract: A coin detection device includes one or more optical sensors positioned along a coin path and capable of detecting movement of a coin thereby, a coil energizable to generate an electromagnetic field in the region of the coin path, a processor connected to the optical sensor or sensors so as to receive signals therefrom and connected to a detector which is capable of detecting the coin as it enters and leaves the region of the coil, the processor is operable to establish an optical size time based upon signals received from the optical sensor or sensors and a magnetic size time based upon signals received from the detector and to further establish a ratio of the magnetic size time to the optical size time, or magnetic to optical size ratio, the established ratio is then evaluated to determine if the tested coin is a valid coin.