US20080023371A1 - Protection and authentication device for trading collectable objects - Google Patents

Abstract

A protection and authentication device for trading collectable objects is described. The device comprises a holder formed for assembly with at least one collectable object to provide protection and preservation of the collectable object. The holder is further formed to resist disassembly and separation with the collectable object, once it is assembled. A protection and authentication device for trading collectable objects also comprises a data storage device comprising data including at least one descriptor that identifies at least in part, at least one collectable object, and further comprises at least one electronic link that can fetch a predetermined external database that stores at least one digital image of at least one collectable object. The digital image may assist a user in the authentication of the collectable object, and may facilitate the ability of a user to trade the collectable object over a network such as the Internet. The data storage device is nondetachably secured to the protection and authentication device, and, the data storage device is compatible with a standard computer system. Thus, it is connectable, directly or indirectly to a computer system or equivalent system for Internet access, either by wire connection, wireless connection, or a combination thereof.

Description

REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/493,312 filed on Jul. 26, 2006, by the inventor herein, entitled PROTECTION, AUTHENTICATION, IDENTIFICATION DEVICE FOR A COLLECTABLE OBJECT.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to the protection, authentication and trading of collectable objects such as coins, stamps, currency, baseball cards, autographs and historical documents.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
• An industry for authentication, identification and certification of collectables has gained prominence and certification companies such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) have developed protective collectable holders to protect collectable objects such as coins, stamps, currency, and baseball cards. They encapsulate the collectable object and provide a professional opinion for condition and authenticity. These certified holders contain a standard barcode and/or serial number label that are used for processing and basic data storage of the certification data. The information merely relates to the grade, date and denomination of the collectable object and fails to validate that the collectable object has not been deceptively switched with a similar like kind collectable object that is inferior in grade, damaged, or even counterfeit. Although the certification services provide a tamper resistant holder, there are documented cases of deceptive practices of removing the collectable object (e.g., coin) from one holder and utilizing the barcode label and certified grade label of another collectable to fraudulently misrepresent the actual collectable object, and often times this is done by unscrupulous sellers that intentionally utilize this activity to deceive a perspective buyer utilizing internet based trading of the collectable object. There are other instances of fraud that have occurred in internet auctions, wherein the collectable object is misrepresented by a digital image of different collectable object, but of lesser value, grade or rarity. Furthermore, there are numerous cases of counterfeit collectables that are bought by unsuspecting buyers due to the lack of clear images of the collectable object or images that are poor in quality and do not provide the visual authentication for an informed collector to scrutinize the visual attributes of the collectable object for authenticity. Professional and trustworthy certification companies are an asset to the collectibles industry but still fall short in assuring the integrity and authenticity of collectable products that are traded by means of digital images by unscrupulous sellers. From an ergonomics viewpoint, certified industry protective holders are designed to be small and portable which necessitates a small label that only allows for minimal marking space and certification information. Often times the owner would have a need to utilize a digital image of the collectable object in conjunction with the certification data for additional authentication of the collectable. A device that improves the representation, security and authenticity of the visual images of the collectable would improve the integrity of industry-wide authentication, marketing, and Internet based trading of collectable objects. Additionally, the owner or buyer of a collectable object may desire to or have additional information relative to the collectable such as historical information, current valuations, condition populations, and other relevant information. Applicant believes that a better device for the protection and authentication for trading collectable objects is herein described.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In one embodiment of the present invention, a protection and authentication device for collectable objects is described. The device comprises a holder formed for assembly with at least one collectable object to provide protection and preservation of the collectable object. The holder is further formed to resist disassembly and separation with the collectable object, once it is assembled. The protection and authentication device also comprises a data storage device that comprises data that includes at least one descriptor that identifies at least in part, the collectable object, and further comprises at least one electronic link that can fetch a predetermined external database that stores at least one digital image of the collectable object, so as to assist a user in the authentication of the collectable object, and may facilitate the ability of a user to trade or sell the collectable object over a network. The data storage device is nondetachably secured to the protection and authentication device for trading a collectable object, and, the data storage device is compatible with a standard computer system. Thus, it is connectable, directly or indirectly to a computer system or equivalent system for Internet access, either by wire connection, wireless connection or a combination thereof.
• Recognizing the need for an improved protection and authentication device for trading a collectable object, the following objectives are considered:
• It is an important objective of the present invention to provide for a commercially viable protection and authentication device for collectable objects in a portable holder form-factor that provides long-term protection for valuable collectable objects such as rare coins, currency, stamps, baseball cards, autographs, historical documents, etc.
• It is another important objective of the present invention to provide improved authenticity detection of a certified holder and the associated collectable object.
• It is another important objective of the present invention to provide for a visual identification system to promote authenticity of the certified collectable object by providing the owner with the means for easily accessing and comparing original digital image(s) of the certified collectable object that may be created and stored during or after the certification process of the collectable object, and providing possible unique characteristics of the collectable object. For example, common characteristics of a coin may include strike, luster, color, defects, abrasions, centering, date, mintmark, and die variations.
• It is another important objective of the present invention that it may provide relevant information of the actual collectable object (e.g., grade, certification data, mintages, population survival reports, current valuations, historical data and other attributes) while still maintaining a small and portable sized holder.
• It is another important objective of the present invention to provide an owner or buyer with the means of easily accessing and viewing secure digital image(s) of the collectable object with a standard computer system.
• It is another important objective of the present invention to provide a user with the means of utilizing at least one stored digital image of the collectable object for certification verification purposes, collectable documentation, identification, marketing, appraisals, and trading of the collectible object.
• It is another important objective of the present invention to utilize the stored digital image(s) of the collectable object to provide greater authentication and security for the trading of the collectable object.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 shows a right front perspective, exploded view of a present invention device shown disassembled.
• FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of a present invention device similar to that shown inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 shows a rear elevation view of the present invention device shown inFIG. 2.
• FIG. 4 shows a rear elevation view of a present invention device similar to that shown inFIG. 3.
• FIG. 5 shows a right front perspective, exploded view of another embodiment of the present invention device shown disassembled.
• FIG. 6 shows a right front perspective view of the present invention device shown inFIG. 5.
• FIG. 7 shows a top plan view of another embodiment of a present invention device.
• FIG. 8 shows a diagram of a present invention device that is similar to that shown inFIGS. 1,2,3 and4, and a typical corresponding interface with a standard computer system with Internet capability.
• FIG. 9 shows a diagram of a present invention device similar to that shown inFIG. 5 andFIG. 6, and a typical corresponding interface with a standard computer system with Internet capability.
• FIG. 10 shows a diagram of a present invention device similar to that shown inFIG. 7, and a typical corresponding interface with a standard computer system with Internet capability.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Referring now to the drawings which are for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not for the purpose of limiting same,FIG. 1 shows a right front perspective, exploded view of a present invention device shown disassembled. A protection and authentication device forcollectable objects1, is shown comprising a collectible holder having anupper housing3 and alower housing23 that are formed for assembly with a collectable object, such ascoin11. Other collectable objects such as stamps, currency, baseball cards, autographs, historical documents, etc., are additional examples of collectable objects that may be applicable to the present invention. Theholder housings3 and23 may be made of a clear plastic, such as acrylic, to provide protection, preservation and viewing for a collectable object, such ascoin11. Adata storage device13, such as a Flash Memory Card (FMC), is nondetachably secured to the protection and authentication device for tradingcollectable objects1. A Flash Memory Card is illustrated only as an example a data storage device for it's compact size, and preferred non-volatile memory (NVM) capability, but many other examples of data storage devices could also be used such as a USB flash drive, PC Card, Memory Card, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital Card, Memory Stick, xD-Picture Card and other compact sized, solid-state data storage devices. For data security reasons, thedata storage device13 may comprise a Read-Only-Memory (ROM) condition that is immutable to prevent a user from altering or erasing the data of thedata storage device13. Immutable shall mean that the data is highly resistant to change or alteration.Data storage device13 would also likely have security features, such as, secure encryption, copyright protection, and/or write-protection. Acore component19 may secure thecollectable coin11, to apreformed cavity17 that is cut throughcore component19 forviewing coin11 on both sides, the obverse side (front) and reverse side (rear) of the coin. Acavity15 may be provided to nestdata storage device13 withcore component19.Core component19,coin11,data storage device13, andbarcode label9 are nondetachably secured withupper housing3 andlower housing23 by a method that resists disassembly, such as ultrasonic welding of the upper andlower housings3 and23 during an assembly process.Upper housing3 andlower housing23 show an example for an access opening21 that provides for connection of a data storage reader device or electronic cable device to the port end of thedata storage device13.Data storage device13 comprises data that includes at least one descriptor that identifies at least in part, the collectable object. Such descriptors may include, for example, image/s of the collectable coin, the date, denomination and certification grade ofcollectable coin11.Data storage device13 is compatible with a standard computer system. Thus, it is connectable, directly or indirectly to a computer system or equivalent system for Internet access, either by wire connection, wireless connection, or a combination thereof.Data storage device13 further comprises at least one electronic link that can fetch a predetermined external database that stores at least one digital image of thecollectable coin11, so as to assist a user in the authentication of thecollectable coin11, and may facilitate the ability for a user to trade thecollectable coin11 over a network, such as the Internet. The electronic links, might include for example, the certification service's private network, which may be in the form of Internet Hyperlinks that also provide predetermined characteristics of thecollectable coin11, and other dynamic (changing) data, such as the current certification population and current valuation ofcoin11. Typically, more than one digital image of the collectable object would be stored, such as the front (obverse) and back (reverse) ofcollectable coin11, and can provide authentication and identification of the unique characteristics ofcoin11, such as the strike, luster, color, defects, abrasions, centering, date, mintmark and die information ofcoin11. Additional information, such as, historical information that is associated withcoin11 may also be stored. The certification's private network would typically utilize security features, such as a user login and password, and secure encryption technologies. The Hyperlink/s fetch the stored digital image/s ofcoin11, and provide a protocol for Internet based trading ofcoin11. For example, the trusted resource site could be the certification service's website, that provides a user the ability to access the digital image/s ofcoin11, and provide a service to facilitate the trading ofcoin11 by means of various trading options such as an “auction menu” or a “sale menu.”Collectable object descriptors5 may provide basic certification information ofcoin11, for example, the denomination, the date of mintage, and the certification grade ofcoin11. The certification grade ofcoin11 may refer to the condition grade ofcoin11 as determined by a commercial grading certification service.Barcode7, when read by an appropriate barcode reader may also provide predetermined characteristics ofcoin11 by means of an appropriate barcode reader device. Additionally,barcode label7, may also reveal Hyperlink/s when read by an appropriate barcode scanner that are capable of fetching corresponding stored digital image/s of the collectable object,coin11, and that may provide a protocol for internet based trading by means of a trusted remote resource site. Furthermore, the certification service's website could also be linked to additional trusted resources/databases, such as an auction company's website, that facilitates trading of the collectable object and utilizes the trusted digital image/s of thecollectable coin11 from the certification service's database.
• FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of a present invention device similar to that shown inFIG. 1. A data storage device31 (not fully seen in this view), such as a Flash Memory Card (FMC) is nondetachably secured to the protection and authentication device forcollectable objects30, by means of a holder with anupper housing41 and alower housing43 that are formed for assembly with at least one collectable object, such ascoin37. The holder is further formed by a method that resists disassembly, such as ultrasonic welding of the upper and lower housing during an assembly process. This is merely one example of a method that resists disassembly and separation ofcoin37, and can promote a nondetachably secured data storage device such as31 and the protection of acollectable object37.Opening33 provides access for a Memory Storage Reader device, such as a Flash Memory Reader device to electronically attach to Flash Memory Card (FMC)31.Data storage device31 is compatible and with a standard computer system and connectable, directly or indirectly to a computer system or equivalent system for Internet access, either by wire connection, wireless connection or a combination thereof. Abarcode label35, when read by an appropriate barcode reader may also provide predetermined characteristics ofcoin37. And,collectable object descriptors32 may also provide basic certification information ofcoin37, for example, the denomination, the date of mintage, and the certification grade ofcoin37. The certification grade ofcoin37 refers to the condition grade ofcoin37 as determined by a commercial grading certification service.
• FIG. 3 shows a rear elevation view of the present invention device shown inFIG. 2.Upper housing41 andlower housing43 show an example for an access opening33 that provides for a data storage reader device to electronically attach to the port end ofdata storage device31, such as a Flash Memory Card. The location of the access opening33, that provides interface withdata storage device31, is shown in a rear view only as an example of placement location and could be located at other locations of the present invention, depending on the orientation ofdata storage device31 and datastorage device port45.
• FIG. 4 shows a rear elevation view of a present invention device similar to that shown inFIG. 3. This rear view shows a protection and authentication device forcollectable objects50, comprising a holder formed and shown assembled, consisting ofupper housing57 andlower housing59. The holder has been formed for assembly by a method that resists disassembly, for example, by using barbed interlocking tabs (not shown) during an assembly process.Upper housing57 andlower housing59 show an example for an access opening53 that provides for attachment of an electronic Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface device (such as a Universal Serial Bus. (USB) cable) to theport end55 of the data storage device51 (such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) type flash drive).Data storage device51 would typically have a compact form factor, and Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) condition. For data security reasons, thedata storage device51, for example, a USB Flash Drive memory device, may also comprise a Read-Only-Memory (ROM) condition that is immutable to prevent a user from altering or erasing the data ofdata storage device51. Immutable shall be defined herein as being resistant to change or alteration.Data storage device51 is nondetachably secured to the protection andauthentication device50.
• FIG. 5 shows a right front perspective, exploded view of another embodiment of the present invention device shown disassembled for a protection and authentication device forcollectable objects60, has anupper housing61 and alower housing79 that are formed for assembly to protect and secure a collectable object, such ascoin71 anddata storage device67. Other collectable objects such as stamps, currency, baseball cards, autographs, historical documents, etc., are additional examples of collectable objects that could be applicable to the present invention. The holder may be made of a clear plastic, such as acrylic that provides protection and may provide viewing of the collectable object, such ascoin71.Data storage device67 may be, for example, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponder label that has abarcode65 andcollectable object descriptors63. Acore component77 may be used to securecollectable coin71, withincavity73, which is cut throughcore component77 for viewingcoin71 on both sides, the obverse side (front) and reverse side (rear) of the coin. The recessedarea75 ofcore component77, is formed to receive and holddata storage device67.Plastic core component77,coin71, and data storage device67 (withbarcode65 and collectable object descriptors63), are nondetachably secured to thepresent invention device60.Upper housing61 andlower housing79 are assembled to resist disassembly, by way of ultrasonic welding or other effective means.Data storage device67 is compatible with an appropriate RFID reader device and compatible with a standard computer system. Thus, it is connectable, directly or indirectly to a computer system or equivalent system for Internet access, by wireless connection.Data storage device67 further comprises at least one electronic link that can fetch a predetermined external database that stores at least one digital image of thecollectable coin71, so as to assist a user in the authentication of thecollectable coin71, and may facilitate the ability for a user to trade thecollectable coin71 over a network, such as the Internet. The electronic links, might include for example, the certification service's private network, which may be in the form of Internet Hyperlinks that also provide predetermined characteristics of thecollectable coin71, and other dynamic (changing) data, such as the current certification population and current valuation ofcoin71. Typically, more than one digital image of the collectable object would be stored, such as the front (obverse) and back (reverse) ofcollectable coin71, and can provide authentication and identification of the unique characteristics ofcoin71, such as the strike, luster, color, defects, abrasions, centering, date, mintmark and die information ofcoin71. Additional information such as historical information that is associated withcoin71 may also be stored. The certification's private network would typically utilize security features, such as a user login and password, digital encryption and/or digital watermark security features. The Hyperlink/s could access the associated stored digital image/s ofcoin71, and provide a protocol for Internet based trading ofcoin11. For example, the trusted resource site could be the certification service's website, that provides a user the ability to fetch the digital image/s ofcoin71, and provide a service to facilitate the trading ofcoin71 by means of various trading options such as an “auction menu” or a “sale menu” over a network, such as the Internet.Collectable object descriptors63 may provide basic certification information ofcoin71, for example, the denomination, the date of mintage, and the certification grade ofcoin71.Barcode7, when read by an appropriate barcode reader may also provide predetermined characteristics ofcoin71 by means of an appropriate barcode reader device. Additionally,barcode label65, may also reveal Hyperlink/s when read by an appropriate barcode scanner are capable of fetching corresponding stored digital image/s of the collectable object,coin71, and that may provide a protocol for internet based trading by means of a trusted remote resource site. Furthermore, the certification service's website could also be linked to additional trusted resources/databases, such as an auction company's website, that facilitates trading of the collectable object and utilizes the trusted digital image/s of thecollectable coin71 from the certification service's database.
• FIG. 6 shows a right front perspective view of thepresent invention device60 shown and described inFIG. 5.
• FIG. 7 shows a top plan view of another embodiment of a present invention device. A protection and authentication device for tradingcollectable objects80, is shown comprising aholder91 that is formed for assembly to protect a collectable object, such ascoin87. A data storage tag device such asBarcode Label85, is secured withinholder91 which is formed for assembly by a method or means that resists disassembly.Collectable object descriptors83 may provide basic certification information ofcoin87, for example, the denomination, the date of mintage, and the certification grade ofcoin87. The certification grade ofcoin87 refers to the condition grade ofcoin87 as determined by a grading certification service.Barcode89, when read by an appropriate barcode reader provides predetermined characteristics ofcoin87.Barcode89 comprises at least one electronic link that can fetch a predetermined external database that stores at least one digital image ofcoin87, to assist a user in the authentication ofcoin87, and may facilitate the ability of a user to tradecoin87, over a network, such as the Internet. The electronic link may be in the form of Hyperlink/s and could access stored digital image/s ofcoin87, and provide a protocol for internet based trading ofcoin87.
• FIG. 8 shows a diagram of a present invention device that is similar to that shown inFIGS. 1,2,3 and4, and a typical corresponding interface with a standard computer system with Internet capability. A protection and authentication device for trading collectables object100 is comprised of a holder for at least one collectable object and a data storage device, such as a USB Flash Drive that comprises data including at least one descriptor that identifies at least in part, at least one collectable object, and further comprises at least one electronic link that can fetch a predetermined external database that stores at least one digital image of the collectable object, to assist a user in the authentication of the collectable object. Predetermined external database/s may facilitate the ability of the user to trade the collectable object over a network, such as the certification service's private network.Computer system105 reads the USB data storage device of thepresent invention100 by means of aUSB cable103 and fetches at least one predetermined link. The data storage device may also include additional data such as certification data, mintages, production data, or historical information. Predetermined external database/s107, such as a Certification Service's Private Network could store corresponding images of the collectable object and other data, such as current valuations of the collectable object, and may facilitate the ability of a user to trade the collectable object over a network such as the Internet.
• FIG. 9 shows a diagram of a present invention device similar to that shown inFIGS. 5 andFIG. 6, and a typical corresponding interface with a standard computer system with Internet capability. A protection and authentication device for trading acollectable object200 is shown having a holder for at least one collectable object and a data storage device, such as a RFID transponder label that comprises data including at least one descriptor that identifies at least in part, at least one collectable object, and further comprises at least one electronic link that can fetch a predetermined external database that stores at least one digital image of the collectable object, to assist a user in the authentication of the collectable object. Predetermined external database/s may facilitate the ability of the user to trade the collectable object over a network, such as the certification service's private network.Computer system205 reads the RFID data storage device of thepresent invention200 by means of the appropriateRFID reader device203. The data storage device may also include additional data such as certification data, mintages, production data, or historical information. Predetermined external database/s207, such as a Certification Service's Private Network could store corresponding images of the collectable object and other data, such as current valuations of the collectable object, and may facilitate the ability of a user to trade the collectable object over a network such as the Internet.
• FIG. 10 shows a diagram of a present invention device similar to that shown inFIG. 7, and a typical corresponding interface with a standard computer system with Internet capability. A protection and authentication device for tradingcollectable objects300 is shown comprising a holder for at least one collectable object and a barcode label.Computer system305 may read the barcode label of thepresent invention300 by means of the appropriatebarcode reader device303. The barcode label comprises at least one electronic link that can fetch a predetermined external database that stores at least one corresponding digital image of said collectable object, so as to assist said user in the authentication of said collectable object, and may facilitate the ability of said user to trade the collectable object over a network. Predetermined external database/s307, such as a Certification Service's Private Network could store corresponding images of the collectable object and other data, such as current valuations of the collectable object, and may facilitate the ability of a user to trade the collectable object over a network such as the Internet.
• Upon reading and understanding the specification of the present invention described above, modifications and alterations will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the patent as claimed or the equivalence thereof.

Claims (22)

1. A protection and authentication device for trading collectable objects, said device comprising:

a holder formed for assembly with at least one collectable object to provide protection and preservation of said collectable object, said holder further being formed so as to resist disassembly and separation with said collectable object; and,

data storage device comprising data including at least one descriptor that identifies at least in part, said at least one collectable object, and further comprising at least one electronic link that can fetch a predetermined external database that stores at least one digital image of said collectable object, so as to assist said user in the authentication of said collectable object, and may facilitate the ability of said user to trade the collectable object over a network, said data storage device being nondetachably secured to said protection and authentication device for trading collectable objects, and, said data storage device being compatible with a standard computer system.

2. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 1, wherein said data storage device is a solid-state Flash Memory storage device that may also provide predetermined characteristics of said at least one collectable object.

3. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 1, wherein said data storage device is a Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) that may also provide predetermined characteristics of said at least one collectable object.

4. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 1, further comprising a barcode that may also provide predetermined characteristics of said at least one collectable object.

5. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 1, wherein said predetermined external database may also provide predetermined characteristics of said at least one collectable object.

6. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 1, wherein said collectable object is a coin.

7. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 1, wherein the electronic link is a Hyperlink.

8. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 1, wherein the electronic link is a UNIFORM RESOURCE LOCATOR (URL).

9. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 2, wherein said predetermined external database may also provide predetermined characteristics of said at least one collectable object.

10. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 3, wherein said predetermined external database may also provide predetermined characteristics of said at least one collectable object.

11. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 4, wherein said predetermined external database may also provide predetermined characteristics of said at least one collectable object.

12. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 2, wherein the collectable object is a coin and said predetermined external database comprises predetermined characteristics of said at least one coin including at least its date, condition, mintage, certification population, and valuation.

13. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 3, wherein the collectable object is a coin and said predetermined external database comprises predetermined characteristics of said at least one coin including at least its date, condition, mintage, certification population and valuation.

14. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 4, wherein the collectable object is a coin and said predetermined external database comprises predetermined characteristics of said at least one coin including at least its date, condition, mintage, certification population and valuation.

15. A protection and authentication device for trading collectable objects, said device comprising:

a holder formed for assembly with at least one collectable object to provide protection and preservation of said collectable object, said holder further being formed so as to resist disassembly and separation with said collectable object; and,

a data storage tag device comprising data including at least one descriptor that identifies at least in part, said at least one collectable object, and further comprising at least one electronic link that can fetch a predetermined external database that stores at least one digital image of said collectable object, so as to assist said user in the authentication of said collectable object, and may facilitate the ability of said user to trade the collectable object over a network, said data storage device being nondetachably secured to said protection and authentication device for trading collectable objects, and, said data storage device being compatible with a standard computer system.

16. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 15, wherein said data storage tag device is a Barcode Label that includes at least one predetermined characteristic of said at least one collectable object.

17. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 15 wherein said data storage tag device is a Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) that may also provide predetermined characteristics of said at least one collectable object.

18. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 15, wherein said predetermined external database may also provide predetermined characteristics of said at least one collectable object.

19. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 15, wherein said collectable object is a coin.

20. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 15, wherein the electronic link is a Hyperlink.

21. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 15, wherein the electronic link is a UNIFORM RESOURCE LOCATOR (URL).

22. A protection and authentication device ofclaim 15, wherein the collectable object is a coin and said predetermined external database comprises predetermined characteristics of said at least one coin includes at least its date, condition, mintage, certification population and valuation.

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