A document processing system comprises an input receptacle for receiving documents. A transport mechanism receives the documents from the input receptacle and transports the documents past an image scanner and a discrimination unit. An output receptacle receives the documents from the transport mechanism after being transported past the image scanner and the discrimination unit. The image scanner operates to obtain a video image of the transported documents, or the image of a selected area of the documents. The document images are further processed to obtain field information contained in selected areas of the document. The discrimination unit operates to determine the value and authenticity of the document. A system controller directs the flows of documents over the transport mechanism.