An authentication method comprises providing at least one object having a print region with printed material contained thereon. The printed material of the print region includes a layer of non-visible indicia which emits at least one wavelength of light outside a visible range of an electromagnetic spectrum when stimulated with electromagnetic radiation. An optical image of the object is recorded with an imaging device to make the non-visible indicia perceivable to a human eye. The perceived image is then compared against expected authentication indicia to authenticate the object. A system for authenticating objects includes at least one imaging device to record optical images of objects having a layer of non-visible indicia and to render the non-visible indicia perceivable to a human eye. The system also includes a central authentication system in communication with the imaging device to receive optical images recorded by the imaging device.