“Full Steps” is a grading designation used for circulation strike Jefferson Nickels which have at least five full steps visible at the base of Monticello on the reverse. Broadly speaking, the designation is used to identify coins which have been fully struck. In order to receive the designation, there must be no disturbance of the steps due to strike weakness, contact marks, or planchet problems.
Full Steps Jefferson Nickels (Buy on eBay) are valued at a premium to comparable grades without the designation. For certain issues, coins exhibiting full steps can be extremely rare and carry enormous premiums. For modern issues of the series after 1986, coins with full steps are generally easier to find.
The major coin grading services PCGS and NGC both use the abbreviation “FS” to designate Full Steps. Only regular strike coins graded MS60 or higher may receive the designation. PCGS awards “FS” for coins displaying either 5 or 6 steps. Initially, NGC only awarded “FS” for coins displaying 6 steps. Starting from February 16, 2004, NGC refined their qualifications and began using the designations “5FS” or “6FS” based on the number of complete sets visible.
Some particularly difficult Jefferson Nickels to find in gem condition with full steps include the 1953-S, 1961-D, 1963-D, 1965, 1968-D, 1969-D, and 1970-D. There are some issues where an example has never been graded with full steps, such as the 1967 and 1969-S.
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