Electronic security tag useful in electronic article indentification and surveillance system

A resonant tag circuit useful as an electronic security device, comprising a layered planar structure having a dielectric substrate with first and second opposing principal surfaces;

• a resonant circuit capable of resonating at at least one predetermined frequency and comprising a pattern of conductive material carried on each of the opposing surfaces of the dielectric substrate, said resonant circuit including at least one activation or deactivation point for creating a short circuit or open circuit in the resonant circuit upon exposure of the resonant circuit to an activation or deactivation field at a predetermined energy level;
• and a semiconductive antistatic material having an ionizable salt dissolved therein, said antistatic material being applied on a portion of one surface of the dielectric substrate to provide a semiconductive bridge across at least one activation or deactivation point in the resonant circuit by contacting conductive material in the circuit on both sides of the point.