A coin validator (10) has a coin path (26) which passes between one set of detect coils (40, 42). The set of coils (40, 42) is connected in a detect circuit, and the coils (40, 42) are adapted to be energised with a single pulse. The decay curve (70) of the voltage in the coils (40, 42) is processed to produce a set of three numbers of clock counts defining each coin, which are stored in a microprocessor. Pre-programming of the validator (10) involves generating sets of numbers for representatives of a coin type to create three ranges of numbers, within which respective range subsequent coin's set of numbers must fall in order for it to be defined as an example of the coin type. The coin path (26) is arranged at an angle to the vertical, and the base (32) is arranged at an angle to the horizontal such that the angle between one wall (36) and the base (32) is between 90° and 180°, causing coins passing along the coin path (26) to orient themselves such that each of them has point contact on the base (32) and on the one wall (36), thereby occupying a generally similar position with respect to the coils (40, 42).