an improved paper and coin currency totalizer is installed on an existing vending machine and utilizes the existing coin receiving channels and the existing movable mechanical release mechanism and reset mechanism . an electronic coin sensor is installed in alignment with the coin receiving channel to produce a coin signal . a box is mounted on the vending machine and includes a paper currency sensor to produce a paper signal . a totalizer control circuit in the box accepts the coin signals and paper signals to determine when the proper amount of currency has been deposited to activate an actuation mechanism installed in the machine to move the release mechanism to the release position to allow a selection . after a selection is made , a reset sensor installed in the machine in alignment with the reset mechanism sends a reset signal to the totalizer control circuit to discontinue the actuation mechanism and to indicate no currency has been deposited . a method is provided to convert the mechanical totalizer in an existing vending machine to include the improved paper and coin currency totalizer .