These Nickels With “Full Steps”
Imagine flipping over a simple nickel and realizing it could be worth thousands… even tens of thousands of dollars 😱.
It sounds unbelievable, but it is 100% real.
Right now, rare “Full Steps” Jefferson nickels are selling for massive amounts of money, and many people unknowingly spend them every day.
In this guide, you will learn exactly:
- What “Full Steps” nickels are
- Why collectors pay so much for them
- Which years to look for
- And how to check your own coins step by step 🔍
Let’s begin.
🪙 What Is a “Full Steps” Nickel?
On the back of every Jefferson nickel is Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home.
At the bottom of Monticello are six steps.
Most nickels have weak or damaged steps because of:
- Worn minting dies
- Low striking pressure
- Circulation damage
But a small number were struck perfectly, showing clear, sharp, unbroken steps.
These are called:
✅ Full Steps Nickels (FS Nickels)
Collectors consider them premium coins because they represent exceptional mint quality and rarity.
💵 Why Are Full Steps Nickels Worth So Much?
Two main reasons:
1️⃣ Extreme Scarcity
Only a tiny percentage of nickels were struck with fully visible steps.
2️⃣ Collector Demand
Serious coin collectors compete aggressively for these coins to complete high-grade collections.
When rarity + condition combine, prices explode 📈.
Some verified auction results include:
- $3,000
- $7,500
- $12,000
- $25,000+ for top-graded examples
And in rare cases… even more.
👀 Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Nickels
Follow these exact steps carefully:
✅ Step 1: Flip the Nickel Over
Look at the back side (Monticello side).
✅ Step 2: Find the Steps
At the base of Monticello, locate the staircase.
You should see horizontal lines.
✅ Step 3: Look for “Full Steps”
You want:
✔ Sharp lines
✔ No major breaks
✔ No heavy blurring
✔ At least 5–6 visible steps
If the steps look clean and complete, you may have something special ✨
✅ Step 4: Check the Year
Some years are far more valuable than others when Full Steps are present.
Highly sought-after examples include:
- 1939
- 1940–1942
- 1946–1950
- 1953–1955
- 1964
(There are others, but these are among the hottest.)
✅ Step 5: Protect the Coin Immediately
If your coin looks promising:
❌ Do NOT clean it
❌ Do NOT polish it
❌ Do NOT scratch it
Place it in a soft holder or plastic coin flip.
✅ Step 6: Get It Professionally Graded
To unlock full value, send it to:
- PCGS or
- NGC
Professional certification is what turns a nickel into a real financial asset.
😲 One Small Detail = Life-Changing Money
It is shocking to realize that:
A coin worth 5 cents can become worth $5,000… $10,000… or $25,000+
All because of a few tiny steps on the back.
Most people never look.
Now you will.
🔔 Final Thoughts
Your spare change could be hiding:
- Rent money
- A car payment
- A vacation
- Or even a down payment on a house 🏡
Before you spend another nickel…
Flip it over. Check the steps.
Your future self may thank you.
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