A reproduction that is completely faithful to an original document or item in every detail. It replicates the original content without alteration, omission, or addition. As an example, a duplicate of a birth certificate, bearing an official seal or attestation, can be considered one. This attestation confirms its exact correspondence with the primary record.
Accuracy and reliability are paramount. It serves as an authoritative substitute for the original, providing legal or official validation when the original is unavailable. Its significance is rooted in preserving the integrity of information across time and distance. Historically, the need for such authentic reproductions arose from the limitations of accessing or transporting original records. This practice has become even more crucial with the advent of digital record-keeping, ensuring verifiable backups exist.