A method for verifying the authenticity of a document utilizes artifacts of the printing process. The method includes optically capturing at a predetermined magnification a first image of an indicia printed on the authentic document. A corresponding indicia on a document to be authenticated is optically captured at a predetermined magnification. The captured images and the printing process artifacts depicted therein are characterized. Authenticity is verified where the characterization indicates the captured images are sufficiently identical. An indication is issued as to whether the document is authentic.