1. A method of identifying and authenticating an object, comprising the steps of: placing a taggant in a first portion of an object; placing a symbol on a second portion of the object; causing said taggant to radiate with a specific energy signature; recording said energy signature and at least one image of said symbol to include (i) a first image of said symbol using a first field-of-view that is substantially limited to said symbol, and (ii) a second image of said symbol using a second field-of-view that includes said symbol and said first portion of the object; and recording a relative location of the first portion of the object.