Abstract: The present design describes devices, systems and methods for identifying, authenticating and tracing items. Unique, inexpensive tags are attached to typical items, which makes the item itself unique. Then, ubiquitous, inexpensive and easy-to-use imaging devices capture the tag and then identify, authenticate or trace the tag and item using image processors or other appropriate devices. In another embodiment, the unique tag and item are traced from origin to destination using image capture and image processing devices relying on information about tags provided in a database.