This description of an athens owl tetradrachm appears in an on line auction. Does this make any sense or is it hype? I know of centering dimples on AEs of the Ptolemys, but they are in the center. What do you think? Coins - Ancient coins - Greece - Illyria and Central Greece Attica, Athens, Tetradrachm, c. 430 - 420 BC, SNG München 53; Svoronos pl. 15, 37, 17.18 g - exceptionally well-struck and nicely toned example of one of the most iconic of all issues of the classical period, still preserving a mysterious Archaic smile on the lips of Athena. This very rare variation bears two clearly visible centering marks on the reverse - one on the forehead of the owl and one bottom right of the A, thereby giving an important insight into the making of this remarkable form of miniature art.
Centering dimples are usually depressions. Both of the mentioned features are raised. I’m unclear what the seller is suggesting. Both of those features are also quite common in classical owls I’ve looked at, so I’m not sure why the suggestion they represent a very rare variation.
It looks to me like a small depression on the head of the owl, but I would not describe it as a centering dimple. The raised dot at the bottom of the "A" is typical. Exactly!
