Actually, there are few courses where youcan get more coins than the 26th (without the cheat or the minigame). These are: 18 (I've reached up to 557 coins), 12 (exactly 352 coins), 36 (if it's the first time with the coins of the boss, I got 502 coins), 34 (I have collected like 369 coins), in...
Hi, I've played that game for years and I'm amazed sometimes I keep finding new things. Without cheating nor minigame, no doubt the course where I can get more coins is No. 18! Up to 557 coins is my best score.
The secret is in the room with the D.D. and the Pouncer...