Full Steps Jefferson Nickels: How to Judge 5FS vs. 6FS

The Full Steps Designation

The reverse of the Jefferson nickel features Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's Virginia home. The steps leading to the entrance are one of the highest-relief areas of the design and one of the most difficult to fully strike. Coins with fully separated steps — "Full Steps" (FS) — command significant premiums over non-FS examples of the same date and grade.

6 Full Steps (6FS)

Jefferson nickel with 6 Full Steps — all step lines sharply separated

6 Full Steps (6FS) — all six horizontal step lines sharply separated across their entire width

A true 6 Full Steps coin shows six complete, unbroken, fully separated steps across their entire width. All six horizontal lines defining the steps must be visible and complete, with no merging, weakness, or interruption. This is the highest strike quality designation and carries the greatest premium.

5 Full Steps (5FS)

Jefferson nickel with 5 Full Steps — five step lines separated, sixth incomplete

5 Full Steps (5FS) — five steps separated, sixth shows slight weakness or merging

A 5 Full Steps coin shows five of the six steps fully separated. The bottom step may merge slightly or show weakness at one point. While less desirable than 6FS, the 5FS designation still indicates an above-average strike and carries a premium.

No Full Steps

Jefferson nickel without Full Steps — steps merge and lack definition

No Full Steps — steps appear mushy and merged (normal strike quality, no premium)

The majority of Jefferson nickels — even in uncirculated grades — lack full steps. The steps appear mushy, merged, or poorly defined. This is the normal strike quality and carries no strike premium.

Why Full Steps Are Rare

The steps are the highest point of the reverse design and require maximum striking pressure to fully form
As dies wear, the steps are the first design element to lose definition
Die polishing (to extend die life) often removes step detail from the die itself
Contact marks on uncirculated coins frequently damage the delicate step area

Key Dates for Full Steps Hunting

Some Jefferson nickel dates are extremely difficult to find in Full Steps:

1938-1942 and 1946-1964 — Many pre-war and early post-war dates are scarce in FS
1950-D — Despite a low mintage (2.6 million), finding one with full steps is extremely challenging
Modern dates (1968-present) — Generally easier to find in FS due to improved die technology, but certain years remain difficult

Browse Full Steps Jefferson nickels in the NumisDex catalog.