5 Costly Jefferson Nickel Full Steps Mistakes Even Experts Make (And How To Avoid Them)

I’ve Seen These Mistakes Wreck Collections – Protect Yours With This Guide

In my 20 years of coin collecting, I’ve watched folks lose serious money on Jefferson Nickel Full Steps (FS) errors that were completely avoidable. That FS label? It’s one of the trickiest details in our hobby – and where even pros stumble. From my own tough lessons and witnessing others’ heartbreaks, I’m sharing the five costly FS mistakes I wish someone had warned me about early on.

Mistake #1: Falling For The 5 vs. 6 Step Trap

Why Grading Services Can’t Agree

Here’s where collectors get burned: PCGS calls any nickel with 5+ complete steps “FS,” while NGC splits hairs between 5FS and 6FS. I once saw a buyer pay $800 extra for a “Full Steps” 1961 nickel graded by PCGS – only to discover later it wouldn’t qualify as 6FS under NGC’s stricter rules.

Warning Signs You’re Overpaying

• Seller just says “PCGS FS” without showing steps
• Price comparisons using NGC’s 6FS values
• No close-up photos of step connections

Your Prevention Playbook

Before bidding, check which grading service slabbed it. For PCGS coins: “FS” means minimum 5 steps. For NGC: you want “5FS” or “6FS” on the label. Stick this in your wallet:

PCGS FS = 5+ steps okay
NGC FS = Must specify 5FS or 6FS

Mistake #2: Missing Step-Bridging Damage

The Deal-Breaker Most Eyes Gloss Over

That 1954-D nickel in your reference photo? See how the scratch cuts across three steps? That’s step-bridging damage – an automatic FS disqualifier. Yet somehow it got certified! Graders are human (and sometimes rush through submissions).

Red Flags On Compromised Steps

• Vertical gashes cutting through steps
• Fuzzy edges between stair-like ridges
• Dark spots hiding step definition

The 3-Step Damage Check I Use

Never buy before doing this:

1. View steps under 10x loupe (phone zoom doesn’t count!)
2. Follow each step like a staircase from edge to center
3. Check for skips or flat spots at step curves

Mistake #3: Trusting Grading Slabs Blindly

Grading Services Get It Wrong Too

As that blunt forum member said: “They make mistakes.” I’ve had PCGS contradict their own FS standards on coins I submitted. Last month, a collector showed me a 1963 FS nickel with clearly broken steps – certified last year!

How To Verify Like A Pro

Follow this 3-step check before buying:

1. Pull up the grading service's FS photo examples
2. Email clear photos to an FS specialist
3. Check against Photograde's online images

When to Question the Label

Request a regrade if you spot:

• Cracks visible under basic magnification
• Some steps sharp while others look mushy
• Damage affecting multiple adjacent steps

Mistake #4: Ignoring Strike Quality by Era

Why Later Coins Play Tricks on Collectors

Those 1960s Jefferson nickels? Many have weaker strikes than their wartime cousins. A 1968-S might technically qualify for FS but look dull compared to a crisp 1942. Don’t pay top dollar for mediocre strikes!

My Era-Specific Buying Strategy

Here’s what I tell my collecting buddies:

1938-1945: Worth FS premiums – usually crisp
1946-1954: Check each coin carefully
1955-1964: Focus on eye appeal over steps
1965+: Rare FS coins – bring your loupe!

Mistake #5: Paying FS Prices For Imposters

How Mislabeled Coins Drain Your Wallet

I cataloged 17 “FS” nickels last year that shouldn’t have qualified. Worst case? A collector paid $1,200 for a “Full Steps” 1953-S that had four broken steps – obvious even without magnification.

Smart Money Protection Tactics

Always:

• Only compare prices with same-year FS coins
• Get a second opinion from trusted dealers
• Use escrow for purchases over $500

Caught in this jam? Here’s your exit plan:

1. Take detailed photos showing flaws
2. Submit rebuttal evidence to grading service
3. File PNG arbitration if denied

My Battle-Tested FS Checklist

After grading 500+ Jefferson nickels, here’s my must-do list:

1. [ ] Confirm grading service's FS rules
2. [ ] Inspect steps at 10x magnification
3. [ ] Check strike quality against production year
4. [ ] Photograph coin pre-submission
5. [ ] Set maximum bid price first

Why True FS Nickels Are So Rare

Studies show only 1 in 5,000 circulated Jeffersons keep full steps. This scarcity creates fierce competition – and grading inconsistencies. Use these strategies to avoid becoming another “I overpaid” horror story.

Final Tip: That FS label? It’s just one grader’s opinion on one Tuesday afternoon. Your knowledge trumps their slab. Collect FS nickels with enthusiasm – but verify like a detective. Your collection (and wallet) will thank you.

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