Abstract: A system and method of determining likelihood of counterfeiting without inspection of currency compares signals returned by uniquely customized RFID chips when interrogated, preferably incident to a transaction. The RFID information is compared to RFID information for bills known to be in circulation in order to validate a given currency bill. Usage patterns can be determined from statistical analysis of such reports and reported usage patterns will statistically differ significantly if not radically with the number of RFID chips returning the same RFID information and such differences will increase in either or both of geographic locations of reports and frequency of reports with increase of the number of bills having duplicated RFID chips. The basic infrastructure for practice of the invention is also capable of tracking genuine currency following, for example, a theft or other criminal activity.