A system for determining the authenticity of an object including a reference-image acquisition module for acquiring a reference-image. The reference-image acquisition module includes a light-source, an imager including an imaging-sensor, and a database coupled with the imager for storing the reference-image. The light-source directs circumferential-light toward an authentication-region on the object. The circumferential-light is at least one of collimated and telecentric. The circumferential-light impinges on the authentication-region from a plurality of different azimuthal directions and at a predetermined oblique angle relative to the normal of a plane defined by said object. A portion of the circumferential-light is reflected from the authentication-region toward a specular reflection region and another portion is scattered from the authentication-region. The imager is focused on the authentication-region and acquires a reference-image. The reference-image is a focused image of the scattered light. The reference-image includes image features related to surface features scattering phenomena of the authentication-region.