Which coin machine is right for my business or organization? 
Should I choose a coin sorter or a coin counter?

Note:  This discussion is for business purposes, so don't buy a cheap home coin sorter when you really need a commercial coin sorter.  That is, don't shop for an office supply store or Sam's Club or coin sorter Walmart.  You'll regret it.
 

To help answer this question, let's review the differences between a coin sorter and a coin counter:
 

COIN SORTER

A COIN SORTER separates coins concurrently and will have features that allow for dropping each coin denomination into their respective tray or drop each coin into a packaging tube for rolling into paper tube wraps.  The pros to a coin sorter is that it allows an operator to add a batch of mixed coins into the hopper, set the batch (limit) counts, and walk away to let the machine work.  Some coin sorters will track both the count and total value of each coin denomination, allowing the operator to cycle through the coin denominations to read an exact count of each coin.  The cons to a coin sorter include slower operation and factory pre-set (fixed) denominations.  The speed typically ranges from 250 up to 600 coins per minute (compared to a common coin sorter Walmart that counts at 100 coins per minute).  Pre-set denominations translate to one coin drop for each denomination, so off-size coins such as tokens or foreign coins will not be processed.  Larger models also may allow for dropping each coin denomination into cloth or plastic banker bags, have greater hopper capacity, and/or the ability to print receipts.  Fit: A coin sorter is ideal for situations where mixed batches of coin denominations need to be separated and counted concurrently.

Browse Our Selection of Coin Sorters

COIN COUNTER

A COIN COUNTER is typically considered to be a high-speed coin counter.  It's primary job is to count a batch of coins quickly - usually 5 to 10 times faster than a coin sorter.  The pros is that it counts single denominations quickly, can separate a single denomination from a batch of mixed coins, and allows for custom diameter and thickness settings.  The cons is that a coin counter does not separate coins concurrently, however, the operator can still conduct 'waterfall' (or 'off-sort') sorting, which separates and counts a single denomination with each pass.  Fit: A high-speed coin counter is ideal for situations where a single coin denomination makes up most, if not all, of the batch of coins and a large amount of coins are counted regularly.
The waterfall separation process is as follows:
  (Step 1) Set the machine's size dials to count the largest coin in the mixed batch, quarters, for instance. 
  (Step 2) Load a batch of mixed coins into the coin counter and press start.  The machine counts the quarters while depositing the quarters into the front chute which can be equipped with a bank bag, rolling sleeve, or even a bucket.  All the other coins (non quarters) are dropped into the off-sort tray, bag, or bucket located on the side of the machine.
  (Step 3) When this first pass is complete, the front coin bag will have all quarters, while the side (aka 'reject') coin bag has the remaining mix of pennies, nickels, and dimes.
  (Step 4) Replace the front coin bag with an empty coin bag.  Note the quarter count and reset to zero.
  (Step 5) Set the machine's size dials to count the next size down (e.g. nickel).
  (Step 6) Repeat Steps 1-5 using the side tray or bag for loading the remaining mixed coins, until all denominations are completed.
The end result will be a coin bag for each denomination along with the operator's count obtained from each round of counting. 

Browse Our Selection of Coin Counters

HIGH-SPEED, HIGH-CAPACITY SOLUTIONS:

·         For locations with larger batch sizes, such as counting a mix of over 4000 coins in a single batch, the Semacon S-140 high speed coin counter ($997) provides a combination of heavy duty, daily use, at a rate of 600 coins per minute, with a large coin capacity, and high-speed counting:  http://www.betterbusinesselectronics.com/Coin-Counters/Semacon-S-140-Heavy-Duty-Coin-Counter-p113.html

·         For locations with moderate batch sizes, such as counting a mix of between 2000 to 5000 coins in a single batch, the CoinMate CS-2000 high speed coin counter ($397) provides a combination of commercial duty, daily use, with a moderate-sized coin capacity, and high-speed counting:  http://www.betterbusinesselectronics.com/Coin-Counters/CoinMate-CS-2000-Coin-Counter-p215.html

·         For portability to multiple locations, with smaller batch sizes, such as counting a mix of up to 3000 coins in a single batch, the Cassida C-500 high speed coin counter ($397) provides a combination of commercial duty, daily use, with a smaller-sized coin capacity, high-speed counting, and a closable lid for easy transporting to any location with a 120VAC standard power supply:  http://www.betterbusinesselectronics.com/Coin-Counters/Cassida-C500-Coin-Counter-p266.html

AUTOMATIC SEPARATION SOLUTIONS:

·         For locations with smaller batch sizes, such as counting a mix of up to 500 quarters/coins in a single batch, the Semacon S-530 coin sorter ($2041) provides a combination of heavy duty, daily use, at a rate of 600 coins per minute, with automatic coin value separation into up to 5 trays or 5 coin bags:  http://www.betterbusinesselectronics.com/Coin-Sorters/Semacon-S-530-Heavy-Duty-Change-and-Coin-Sorter-p225.html

·         For locations with smaller batch sizes, such as counting a mix of up to 600 quarters/coins in a single batch, the Ribao CS-600 coin sorter ($1197) provides a combination of heavy duty, daily use, at a rate of 600 coins per minute, with automatic coin value separation into up to 5 trays or ONLY two(2) coin bags:  http://www.betterbusinesselectronics.com/Coin-Sorters/Ribao-CS-600-Coin-Sorter-and-Counter-p57.html

·         For portability to multiple locations, with smaller batch sizes, such as counting a mix of up to 750 quarters/coins in a single batch, the Cassida C-200 coin sorter ($235) provides a combination of light-commercial duty, occasional use, with a smaller-sized coin capacity, and a lightweight design for easy transporting to any location with a 120VAC standard power supply:  http://www.betterbusinesselectronics.com/Coin-Sorters/Cassida-C200-Change-Counter-Sorter-and-Wrapper-p221.html

We are here to help you and guide you in making the best decision for your situation. 
Calling us at (602) 492-6868 will give us a chance to answer your questions, clear up any confusion, and make recommendations that fit your need - without trying to sell you equipment that you don't need.

Our staff is trained to discuss each machine we represent, including differences between light commercial-, commercial-, and heavy- duty models and the benefits that each offers.

Give us a call at (602) 492-6868 and let us know that you read this page.  We'll reward you for giving us feedback on how to make this page even better for future clients.

Thanks,
Better Business Electronics

Your source for a high quality coin counter or coin sorter.