Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to compositions of machine verifiable marks comprising embedded unique identifiers and error correction features. In one embodiment, a composition includes an ordered arrangement of reference characters selected from among a plurality of reference characters. Each reference character of the plurality of reference characters is distinct based upon a value calculated by a similarity of one shape to another. The composition further includes a numeric equivalent associated with the reference characters and an error correction feature.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes providing an authentication code onto a reference article associated with a person, determining a signature associated with the authentication code, imaging a candidate article to determine an image signature, and comparing the associated signature with the image signature to determine whether the candidate article is the reference article. A related system and imaging device are also provided.