The system comprises a mark (2) which is placed on an object (3) or a document, or which is constituted by the entire or part of said object, in addition to a read device (5) enabling said mark to be identified. The latter is made of transparent or semi-transparent materials having a given wavelength and capable of propagating light. The mark (2) has a surface state and a microstructure enabling optical coupling with the read device (5) comprising a monochromatic/non-monochromatic light source (11), a prism (4) onto which the light (L) is directed, and a detector (18) receiving the light reflected (R), when the prism (4) is optically coupled with the mark (2), with a frustrated reflection effect. The system can be used for the recognition of objects and documents and for the authentication of objects in order to combat fraud and counterfeiting.