Flan flaw, die flaw or scratches?

I’d appreciate your thoughts on a recent purchase. The coin itself is the well-known ‘wet-head’ Apollo tetradrachm of Leontini




Sicily, Leontini. 430-425 BC AR tetradrachm (24mm, 16.73 g, 11h).
Laureate head of Apollo left
LEO-N-TI-NON Head of roaring lion left; leaf to right, three barley grains around.
Boehringer 55; SNG ANS 257

The dealer described the problems on the reverse as “minor die wear and flan flaw.”

Now that I’ve examined the coin itself, I’m not certain, so I’d appreciate your comments.

Here’s a macro photo of the area in question.


... and in a little more detail ...




In the opinion of those with more experience than I, are we looking at a flan flaw, die flaw or scratches?

Many thanks for your consideration.

D

 

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I can't answer you question @scarborough and my opinions are woth the effort to type. But I will say that is one beautiful coin!

 

Scratches, I think, but a beautiful coin nonetheless!

 

Traces of an undertype or double striking. Not scratches and completely normal.

Barry Murphy

 

I must be very confused. Those aren't scratches?

 

No they are not scratches. They go deep into the flan.

Barry Murphy

 

No different than these.....

Barry Murphy

 

On a coin like this, it would be a minor issue for me.