Abstract: A verification system utilizing a holographic memory defined by a multiplicity of individual holograms on a photographic strip arranged side by side in elongate, parallel, hologram channels of substantially equal length. A holographic index on the strip identifies the information stored in each channel. The memory is a holographic record of binary spot patterns of multi-digit numbers which are sequentially recorded. The spot pattern for any given number may extend over one or more holograms to fully utilize the available recording space. Data compression is employed to reduce or eliminate the recordation of digits which are identical to corresponding digits of a preceding number to thereby reduce the memory bulk. A given number to be verified is entered in a keyboard and stored, the index is searched and the appropriate memory channel is then searched for a match of the given number with a number in the memory by producing and detecting images from the recorded holograms.