The invention relates to a multi-resolution network characteristic registration-based method for sorting face values and face directions of notes in a sorter, which comprises the following steps of: firstly, before performing image recognition and image measurement, balancing the luminance of different points on sampling images; secondly, performing Haar wavelet transform on note images, and extracting approximate picture contents of the note images; thirdly, extracting network characteristics; fourthly, analyzing the separability of the network characteristics on different note images; and finally, establishing a comprehensive sorter by using the network characteristics, wherein a structural risk minimization-based Gaussian mixture model is applied in the sorter. By the method, the real-time processing requirement of the note sorter can be met, and the requirement of processing 1,000 notes per minute can be met. Simultaneously, the defect of inconsistent note images in the same currency and face direction caused by abrasion and printing can be overcome effectively by adopting local characteristic registration so as to perform better recognition.