Hello, I was wondering if anyone could give me a ballpark value on this nickel. Should I have it professionally appraised at PCGS?
Steps alone won't determine value. If you believe the condition is high (like MS65 or higher), it's probably worth getting it graded. I saw 1940-S steps for sale/sold on eBay for about $10 raw (ungraded). If it's graded the prices start at $25 (for MS64FS). MS65FS prices start at $40.
Welcome to CT. From what I can see I would not grade this coin. Not worth the price you'd pay. Too many bag marks, 2 large deep scrapes on the obverse and Monticello is weakly struck. Steps alone do not determine value, all factors of a coin along with supply and demand do.
