Unique identifier label

A system for authenticating and tracking a plurality of objects in commerce, the system comprising:

• a label affixed to each of the plurality of objects, the label including an electronic security layer configured to receive an interrogation signal propagating within a predetermined distance from the label, the electronic security layer being configured to store authentication data and tracking data, retrieve the authentication data and the tracking data in response to the interrogation signal, and transmit a response message including at least a portion of the authentication data and the tracking data, the label also including an optical indicia layer affixed the electronic security layer, the optical indicia layer having disposed thereon optically encoded indicia corresponding to at least a portion of the authentication data stored in the electronic security layer;
• an interrogation device configured to transmit the interrogation signal and receive the response message, the interrogation device also being configured to recover the authentication data and the tracking data from the response message;
• a computer coupled to the interrogation device and configured to generate indication data based on the authentication data, the indication data indicating whether the label is an authentic label.