Abstract: A method for verifying the authenticity of a preselected item is provided which includes the steps of selecting authenticity indicia for association with the preselected item and associating the authenticity indicia with the preselected item. Digital data is then generated containing evidence of the preselected item and the authenticating indicia associated therewith. A digital file is also generated which contains digital data. The digital file is downloaded to a server associated with the Internet using software downloaded to a computer associated with the server, which permitting the digital data to be accessed from the Internet using Internet data accessing techniques. The method also includes the step of providing a Web site maintained by an authenticating party and accessible by a requesting party using the Internet data accessing techniques for permitting the requesting party to retrieve the digital file and confirm the authenticity of the preselected item.