Two rather tough calls, Kevin
Officina: I’d argue that A is more likely. The upper loop you point out doesn’t look very ‘loopy’ (i.e. oval) to me, but rather more irregular, and I wonder if it could arise from corrosion, or some kind of surface damage, instead of being
part of the design? Anyway, I think the shape highlighted in your 3rd picture makes a convincing A.
Regnal year: probably 6, which I think is your view too.
Bill R