An authentication method based on the use of an inanimate physical object that includes storing first object data in a storage medium, wherein the first object data is generated based on a first image of at least a portion of the physical object, capturing a second image of the at least a portion of the physical object, and generating second object data based on the second image. The method further includes searching the storage medium and determining that the second object data and the first object data are a match, and authenticating an individual associated with the physical object in response that determination. Also provided are embodiments of an authentication system that may be adapted to implement the method.