The Full Steps designation is a coveted grading term for circulation strike Jefferson nickels (but not proofs) that have at least five full steps visible at the base of Monticello on the reverse.
The Full Steps designation is useful for identifying coins that have been fully struck. Fully struck, sharp steps are desirable to collectors.
If you have a Jefferson nickel handy, glance at the base of Monticello. Can you see the steps or lines at the base of Monticello? Seeing the steps clearly will require a magnifying glass or loupe.
How are Full Step Nickels Graded?
The steps must be unbroken for them to be considered full. That is, they must run the full width of the base of Monticello. If there is more than one line with breaks or blending, they will not be eligible for the Full Steps designation.
PCGS Full Step Grading
Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS) requires five separate steps or lines to be clearly visible at the base of Monticello to be eligible for a Full Steps (FS) designation.
Any interruption in the step lines will preclude a Jefferson nickel from the Full Steps category. This includes planchet issues, contact in the lines from a weak strike, or any other disturbance in the steps.
Very slight weaknesses in a single step will not prevent a Jefferson nickel from an FS designation.
NGC Full Steps, 5FS, and 6FS Grading
The Numismatic Guarantee Corporation (NGC) has graded Jefferson nickels with designations for five Full Steps (5FS) and six Full Steps (6FS) since 2004.
As the names imply, the 5FS designation is used for nickels with five full steps visible at the base of Monticello. The 6FS designation is used for nickels with six uninterrupted full steps.
Is the Full Step Designation Rare or Valuable?
The rarity of Full Step designated Jefferson nickels varies according to the year and issuing mint of the nickel. For instance, the 1946-D nickel had a mintage exceeding 1 billion coins, but only a small number have been designated as 6FS.
As the value of a Full Steps nickel is determined by the relative scarcity of other nickels from the same year and mint, some Full Steps nickels might be more common.
Others, like a 1964-D 5FS nickel in a higher Mint State condition, may sell for as much as $4,000.
Can I Get the Full Steps Designation for a Proof Nickel?
The Full Steps designation is not used for proofs since proofs are struck multiple times and are therefore expected to demonstrate sharp strikes and full steps as a default.
If you have a Prooflike (PL) nickel with Full Steps, there are NGC and PCGS designations for Prooflike and Deep Prooflike (DPL).
For those interested in beginning their journey collecting Jefferson Nickels, the 1964-D Nickel is a popular and extremely affordable place to get started.
