Systems, methods and devices for processing batches of coins utilizing coin imaging sensor assemblies

A currency processing system comprising:

• a housing with a coin input area configured to receive a batch of coins;
• one or more coin receptacles operatively coupled to the housing;
• and
• a disk-type coin processing unit operatively coupled to the coin input area and the one or more coin receptacles to transfer coins therebetween, the disk-type coin processing unit including:
• a rotatable disk configured to impart motion to a plurality of the coins,
• a sorting head having a lower surface generally parallel to and adjacent the rotatable disk, the lower surface forming a plurality of shaped regions configured to guide the coins, responsive to motion imparted by the rotatable disk, to a plurality of exit stations through which the coins are discharged from the disk-type coin processing unit to the one or more coin receptacles, and
• a sensor assembly including a linear array of sensors configured to sense coins processed by the disk-type coin processing unit, and to output a signal indicative of coin image information for processing the coins,
• wherein the linear array of sensors is mounted to or within the sorting head, and
• wherein the linear array of sensors includes a plurality of non-optical sensors, the plurality of non-optical sensor includes a plurality of eddy current sensors, and each one of the plurality of eddy current sensors includes:
• a body;
• a front driving coil positioned at a first end of the body and configured to generate a first alternating magnetic field;
• and
• a pickup coil disposed on the body adjacent the front driving coil, wherein the pickup coil is configured to provide a first signal associated with a coin response to the first alternating magnetic field.