In 1948 the San Francisco Mint used two different Mint mark punch styles. This produced two little known varieties. The first style of Mint mark used, and probably the more scarce of the two is the SANS SERIF Mint mark, which lacks any detail and is rather plain. The other style used is the TRUMPET TAIL Mint mark, which has a flair on the ends of the Mint mark. 1948-S Sans Serif Mint Mark 1948-S Trumpet Tail Mint Mark As well, 1946-S had this same Mint mark variation creating two collectable varieties. Here is a chart of the Mint mark styles for early Jefferson nickels....
I hadn't noticed that before. You made me curious, so I started checking my own collection of 1948-S's. Sure enough, there are examples of both types in there. I usually don't search closely for varieties, but I have to admit, they can be very interesting. Thanks for pointing that one out.
