Jefferson Nickel Grading Guide
How to grade your Jefferson nickel — the Full Steps designation, wear points, war nickels, and key dates.
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Jefferson Nickel grading, in brief
Jefferson nickels (1938–present) are graded 1–70 on the Sheldon scale. For Mint State coins the Full Steps (FS) designation — five or six complete, unbroken steps on Monticello — is the main value driver. Most circulated Jeffersons carry little premium; Full Steps examples and key dates are the exception.
Full Steps (FS) is the value driver
On the reverse, Monticello's staircase should show clean, fully separated steps. Five complete steps earns '5FS'; six earns the scarcer '6FS'. Most nickels have blurred or broken steps from weak strikes, so a true Full Steps coin commands a strong premium even when the rest of the grade is ordinary.
What graders look at
Monticello steps
The number of full, unbroken steps (5FS/6FS) is the headline value driver in Mint State.
Jefferson's cheek & hair
High-point wear and contact marks show on the cheek and hair.
Monticello pillars & triangle
Sharpness of the building's columns supports the strike quality read.
Luster
Full luster separates Mint State from circulated grades.
Jefferson Nickel grading chart
Grade-by-grade, what to look for on your coin.
| Grade | Label | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| XF-40 | Extremely Fine | Light wear; steps blurred but building sharp |
| AU-55 | About Uncirculated | Trace wear; near-full detail |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated | Full luster; steps may be incomplete |
| MS-65 | Gem Uncirculated | Clean surfaces, strong luster; check steps |
| MS-65 5FS | Gem Full Steps | Five fully separated steps on Monticello |
| MS-66 6FS | Gem+ Full Steps | Six complete steps; premium designation |
Key dates worth grading
Jefferson Nickel grading FAQ
What are Full Steps on a Jefferson nickel?
Full Steps (FS) means the staircase on Monticello shows five (5FS) or six (6FS) complete, unbroken steps. Weak strikes blur the steps on most nickels, so Full Steps coins command a premium.
How do I grade a Jefferson nickel?
Assess luster and contact marks on Jefferson's cheek, then count the complete steps on Monticello. Full luster plus 5 or 6 full steps signals a premium Mint State coin.
Are war nickels worth grading?
War nickels (1942–45, 35% silver) are worth a small silver premium; grading is worthwhile mainly for high-grade Full Steps examples or key dates.
Which Jefferson nickels are valuable?
The 1939-D, 1950-D, and high-grade Full Steps coins (especially 6FS) carry the strongest premiums.
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