Tiny scratch on front-element on my 70-200mm - a serious flaw?

Hi everyone, I somehow managed to introduce a small scatch on the front element of my Canon EF 70-200mm IS 4.0. The scratch is small - looks more like a piece of thin hair then a "real" deep scratch. However it does not go away when I clean the front element with the lenspen.
Maybe it's "just" the coating that got damaged.
I have no clue how it happened, the lens did not fall, nor do I remember that something hard came close to the lens, expect for the zipper of my jacket maybe. That's why I also think the scatch is minor.
I do not see anything in the images, so I wonder how serious the damage actually is. What are the (theoretical) consequences of a scratch on the fron element?
Anyone out there with serious scratches on their lenses, but with flawless images?

Thanks for sharing experiences and info.

Regards
Dietrich

And no, of course I did not use a UV-filter as protection (which I own)...

Thanks Steve! It does bother me, but if it's technically such a marginal issue, then I think I will not let Canon change the front element. But it's good to know that this option exists and that this is not too pricey. Thanks a lot for this info!
-Dietrich

If you can't see it in the IQ then the only problem you'll have with it is if you decide to sell the lens. Chances are a buyer would want you to lower your selling price. It shouldn't cost you to get an estimate from Canon so you'll have an idea of what a repair might cost you.

Thanks Ed! I am not planning to sell this lens as it is my favourite and an awesome performer, but indeed I was concerned about the "market value" of it. That's really something that bothers me a bit, and either way: I let Canon replace the front element, or sell the lens for less: The lens potentially returns less money than it could...

The lens will focus right through the little scratch. Try this. Stretch a piece of string or wire that is about as thick as a pencil lead over the front of your lens, and take a shot of a blank white wall. I doubt the line will even show up.

Kent in SD

Hi Kent - thanks for that idea. I will try this. Excellent way to assess the damage!