4 Jefferson Nickels 1939, 1985p, 1986p, 1987d that appear to have defined steps

Like the title states, I have these 4 nickels left over from when my dad collected coins as a kid and they all appear to have really well defined steps on the Monticello. I don't have any way of taking a good magnified image of the steps but just looking at them closely they're all pretty well defined. The 86 probably has the worst set.

I don't know much about coins and their values. I just did some quick googling and found that nickels before 92(?) with defined steps could have some great value. I was hoping someone here on this community could help me get a ball park idea.

I appreciate any insight and help that can be given.

top left: 86, top right:85, bottom left:39, bottom right:87 - consistent for both pics.

 

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Hi, here is exactly the information on fullsteps you are looking for:
http://varietynickels.com/pages/jefferson-nickel/grading/understanding-full-steps.php

Some years of Jefferson nickels are very rare to have full steps. Also, keep in mind, PCGS and NGC offer different designations on the full steps. For example, NGC will note a Jefferson to have either 5, 5.5, or 6 full steps.

 

Thanks for the response. Once it's determined how clear the steps are etc etc how would one determine an actual value for it? Would I just have to take it to an appraiser or is there a general guide out there that lists an average sell price?

Also, what does someone experienced here think about the condition of the coins in general?

 

The images are not clear enough to determine a grade.
Here are values from PCGS. The "FS" is for full steps. It will give you an idea of which ones are less common. Also, keep in mind these prices are for PCGS slabbed nickels and generally the actual value is much less.

http://www.pcgs.com/PRICES/PriceGuideDetail.aspx?MS=1&PR=1&SP=1&c=84&title=Jefferson+Nickel

Also, you can check ebay (completed auctions) to see what people will actually pay.

 

Ive seen some of the full step coins go for many thousands of dollars. In the grand scheme of things, its really how much that particular "variety" collector would be willing to pay for something like that, because of the low pops of those truly high graded specimens that exist.

 

thanks a lot everyone!