ZZap MS10 Coin Counting Scale - Money Cash Currency Weighing Machine

What this scale is (and isn’t)

The MS10 is a compact, value-counting coin scale designed for pre-sorted coins. It doesn’t sort mixed change and it doesn’t do any flashy tricks; it weighs coins and converts that weight into a dollar (or pound/euro/canadian dollar) value instantly. If your workflow already separates denominations—or you’re pouring out rolls, checking coin bags, or emptying coin cups—this is exactly the kind of tool that removes the drudgery from counting.

At 265 x 188 x 78 mm, it’s roughly the size of a thick hardcover, with a wide platter and a removable coin tray. It’s AC powered or runs on six AA batteries, and it handles up to 3 kg of coins with 0.5 g resolution. That capacity is plenty for a large load of quarters or a mountain of dimes, and the footprint fits easily on a crowded cash desk or a rolling cart.

Setup and first use

Out of the box, the MS10 is straightforward, but you’ll want to spend a few minutes in the menu before your first big batch. The keys are clearly labeled (currency, denomination selection, add, tare), and switching among USD, CAD, EUR, and GBP is quick. I calibrated the tray weight with tare, then saved tare presets for a few containers I use regularly—cash drawer cups and a deeper bin I use for wrapped rolls. That small step paid off in speed and consistency later.

One note: the interface uses short status messages that can be cryptic. I hit a “no SEL” prompt once when I’d forgotten to select a denomination after changing currency. Reading the quick-start card avoided repeat confusion.

Everyday workflow

My typical run is a count-up by denomination:

1) Drop a coin cup on the platter and tare it.
2) Choose the denomination (say, USD quarters).
3) Pour coins; the total value appears in under a second.
4) Tap Add to accumulate the total.
5) Move on to the next denomination.

It really is that fast. The MS10 excels at this “batch and add” rhythm; it’s more efficient than scooping coins into a sorter, and quieter. For larger piles, I’ll load the tray in two or three pours and use Add to combine the values.

For rolls and bags, I use two methods. If I trust the wrapper weight to be consistent, I tare an empty wrapper; then I place a rolled pack to confirm the value. More often, I verify a bunch of rolls at once by emptying them into the tray—faster and less fiddly. The scale is quick enough that this never feels like a bottleneck.

Accuracy and speed

The promise here is 0.5 g resolution and “counting value” in under a second. In practice:

• Quarters, dimes, and nickels: consistently spot on in my testing. Loads from $10 to $100 in quarters matched my reference counts exactly or within a coin on the heaviest tray-filling pours.
• Pennies: the trickiest denomination because of composition differences (pre-1982 copper vs. modern zinc) and heavier wear. The MS10 handled mixed penny batches well once I used its sample-based calibration. I set a new “profile” by placing a known quantity from my typical penny mix and letting the scale learn the average. After that, results tightened up to within a coin on large batches and dead accurate on smaller ones.
• Tokens and chips: the custom mode lets you program a unit weight and a value. I taught it two token types with a 20-piece sample each; it counted them reliably alongside coin sessions.

Counting is genuinely fast; you pour and the number settles almost immediately. I never had to wait for a creeping readout, even near the 3 kg limit. The wide tray made it easy to spread coins so they don’t mound too high, which helps keep the center of mass stable and the reading steady.

Calibration and maintenance

The MS10 supports recalibration for new or changed coins, and the process is simple: use a known quantity as a sample and store it. I recommend doing this for pennies and for any well-worn tokens you handle regularly. Also, set tare for your specific containers; the scale remembers these, which saves time and improves accuracy.

As with any weight-based counter, results depend on stable placement and clean surfaces. Keep the feet and platter free of debris, avoid drafts on the platter, and don’t count on a wobbly desk. Do those things and you’ll get consistent results.

Connectivity and reporting

There’s an RS232 port for output to a thermal printer or a PC. This is old-school, but it works. I used a USB-to-serial adapter to capture a denomination breakdown and a grand total into a basic terminal app—handy for end-of-day reconciliation. If you already have a serial-compatible receipt printer in your cash room, the direct print is even more convenient.

I’d love to see a modern USB or Bluetooth option and a simple CSV export without extra adapters. As it stands, the RS232 route is functional but dated.

Power, portability, and build

Six AA batteries kept the MS10 running across multiple counting sessions without complaint; AC is there for fixed stations. The compact size and light weight make it easy to relocate, and the tray nests on the platter for travel between sites. Fit and finish are solid for a work tool—nothing luxurious, but everything feels purposeful. The keys give positive feedback, the display is easy to read at a glance, and the tray is sturdy enough to hold a heavy load without flexing.

Limitations and gotchas

• It requires sorted coins. If you need to separate mixed change by denomination, you’ll still need a sorter; the MS10 pairs nicely with one but doesn’t replace it.
• The interface language can be terse. Keep the quick-start guide near the scale until you’ve internalized the workflow.
• RS232-only connectivity. Expect to invest in a USB-serial adapter or a compatible printer if you want printed or digital records.
• Penny variability. Calibrate for your coin mix, especially if you see a lot of older or heavily worn pieces; after that, performance is very good.
• Capacity and tray height. The 3 kg capacity is generous, but the tray’s practical limit is reached before you hit the weight ceiling with bigger coins. For very large batches, plan to count in two or three pours.

Who it’s for

• Cash rooms and small businesses that close out drawers by denomination.
• Laundromats, car washes, vending and arcade operators who handle lots of quarters and tokens.
• Schools and nonprofits that run coin-heavy fundraisers and need a fast, portable counter.
• Anyone who wants a quiet, reliable alternative to motorized sorters, with the option to export a clean total.

If you routinely process extremely large batches in one go or need automated sorting, you’ll want a sorter or a higher-capacity counting scale (ZZap’s larger model is the logical step up). But for most small-to-medium volume scenarios, the MS10 hits a sweet spot.

The bottom line

The MS10 turns coin counting into a quick, low-friction step rather than a time sink. It’s compact, fast, and accurate when properly set up, and the add/tare workflow is exactly what you want for counting by denomination or verifying rolls and bags. The ability to program tokens and export a breakdown to a PC or printer makes it versatile for businesses beyond standard retail.

I’d like modern connectivity and slightly clearer on-screen prompts, and I recommend taking a few minutes to calibrate pennies and your most-used containers. Do that, and the day-to-day experience is smooth and dependable.

Recommendation: I recommend the MS10 for anyone who already sorts coins by denomination and needs a fast, space-saving way to get accurate totals. It’s particularly strong for quarters, dimes, and nickels, and—with a quick calibration—handles pennies and tokens well. If you require mixed-coin sorting or plug-and-play USB reporting, explore other options; otherwise, this is an efficient, reliable tool that earns its keep.