🚨 Breaking News: A 1942-P Jefferson Nickel with the rare Full Steps (FS) designation just sold for a record $450,000 in 2024! What looks like ordinary pocket change to most people can actually be worth six figures — if it has the right strike details.
🔥 Why “Full Steps” Nickels Are So Valuable
The Full Steps designation separates ultra-rare collector nickels from ordinary strikes.
- Only 3–5% of vintage Jefferson nickels qualify.
- Record Price: $450,000 (PCGS MS-66, 1942-P, 2024 auction).
- Key Dates: 1939–1964 nickels are the most sought after.
Essentially, “Full Steps” coins represent perfection in minting quality, making them legendary in the coin world.
💎 How Coins Earn the “Full Steps” Label
For a Jefferson nickel to qualify, the steps of Monticello must be:
- ✅ 5–6 fully separated steps (no blending).
- ✅ Crisp, sharp details with no weakness.
- ✅ Original mint luster preserved.
- ✅ Almost no contact marks or abrasions.
Anything less — even one mushy or blended step — disqualifies the coin.
⚡ The Full Steps Value Multiplier
| Grade | Regular Nickel Value | Full Steps Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS-63 | $50 | $5,000 |
| MS-65 | $200 | $50,000 |
| MS-67 | $1,000 | $450,000+ |
👉 A coin that’s worth only $50 without FS can explode to $50,000+ with FS.
🧐 How To Spot a $450K Nickel
✅ The “Full Steps” Checklist
- Date: Look for 1939–1964 nickels (wartime nickels included).
- Steps: 5–6 clear, sharp steps (use at least 5x magnification).
- Surface: 90%+ original luster.
- Strike: Strong building details, no blurring.
❌ Don’t Be Fooled by Look-Alikes
- Weak or blended steps (common).
- Cleaned or polished coins (lose value).
- Post-1964 nickels (usually far less valuable).
🏆 Top 5 Most Valuable Full Steps Nickels
- 1942-P 5FS – $450,000 (MS-66)
- 1943-P 5FS – $350,000 (MS-67)
- 1950-D 5FS – $325,000 (MS-67)
- 1939-D 6FS – $300,000 (MS-68)
- 1945-P 5FS – $275,000 (MS-67)
🧤 What To Do If You Think You Have One
- Handle carefully by the edges only (use cotton gloves).
- Photograph the steps under angled lighting.
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for FS certification.
- Insure for $100K+ before mailing or transporting.
- Sell through trusted auction houses like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers.
⚠️ Warning: Most coins people believe are FS turn out to be weak strikes, circulated, or improperly graded.
📖 Real Collector Story
✨ “I found my 1942-P in a bank roll – it paid for my retirement!”
— 2023 Discoverer, sold for $412,500
🌟 Why Full Steps Nickels Are Legendary
✔️ They represent perfection in U.S. minting quality
✔️ Fewer exist than the 1804 Silver Dollar
✔️ New discoveries still happen, making roll-hunting exciting
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