Funny you posted this because I was just on the VAM World site looking to see if my most recent addition ('78-S) was a VAM. I agree with Chris, not a long nock, nor is the "S" tilted left.
Something is going on with the "S", very Simalar to the one shown here. That's why I'm confused. http://www.vamworld.com/1878-S+VAM-72
The mintmark could have been mashed or the raised part of the die that formed the bottom loop broke off, filling the void. In any event, it is not a long nock, so you will have to compare it against all of the markers for the short nock varieties. You have the coin in hand, so you'll just have to persevere. Chris
The "S" on this date and mm are typically a little mushy. There are lots of VAM's for this date and MM. When I get my new coin in hand, I'm going to spend some time on VAM world seeing if I can attribute one to the coin. Good luck with yours. Some of the markers require high magnification to identify.
I seldom look at the mint mark when attributing 1878-S. The key to most of them is the hand-engraved feathers under the eagle's right (viewer's left) wing that connect the wing to the leg. Your coin definitely has them. Also, the 'r' in trust come with the arm of the r broken on many varieties these should make it easier to attribute the reverse. Then see which obverse goes with it.
