Embodiments of the invention for the track, categorize, or authenticate the provenance of historical artifacts. The invention couples an artifact to at least one unique identifier. Unique identifiers may be attached to or be contained within an artifact. Unique identifiers are coupled to a data storage archive where historical information relating to the artifact are stored. In certain embodiments the data storage archive is a database or relational database. Artifacts incorporated into the invention, may be objects used in sports, be objects used in politics, or may be personal objects. The invention tracks the use of artifacts and records historical information corresponding to the artifact in the data storage archive. Historical information recorded may include the time, or place where an artifact was used. The invention, in certain embodiments also tracks the use of the movement of an artifact, tracks who interacted with the artifact, and provides a mechanism for collectors to review historical information corresponding to one or more particular artifacts.