So as to reduce the size of a reading and writing apparatus for IC coins and to lower the cost of a reading and writing apparatus for IC coins, a reading and writing apparatus for IC coins is provided that includes a reception portion that receives an IC coin with its surface facing a customer, and moves the IC coin in a predetermined direction to sends the IC coin to a reading and writing portion. The reading and writing portion retains the received IC coin with its surface visually confirmed by the customer. A reading and writing unit for the IC coin is placed at the reading and writing portion, and a sorting portion sorts the IC coin held at the reading and writing portion to a return portion.