Ultraviolet (UV) light illuminates a valuable media item along a pathway of a valuable media depository and UV signal readings are captured in response to the illuminated valuable media item. The signal readings are adjusted to account for any integrated metallic material and for any contamination present on the media item or any contamination that is a result of the media item having been washed. The adjusted signal readings are processed to determine whether the media item is genuine and/or fit for being further processed within the depository.