An electromagnetic lifting armature actuator, in particular for valves, comprises an armature rod which can be shifted in the direction of its longitudinal axis, and a magnetic yoke comprising a first yoke leg and a second yoke leg which is coaxial to the armature rod. A first magnet coil encloses the first yoke leg and a second magnet coil encloses both the second yoke leg and the armature rod. One of the magnet coils is a working and measuring coil which can be selectively used for enhancing the magnetic force or for determining a position of the movable armature rod.