However, a serif is the little line(s) added to a letter (or other character) that makes it a little fancier. I am casting about for a common item that will have both type letters... so pull out a dollar bill. "The United States of America" and "Federal Reserve Note" are written in letters with serifs. "This note is legal tender," etc. is written sans (without) serif, as is the serial number. Although not exactly the info you were looking for, I hope this will help in general.