Hello, My name is Austin. I came across an aged nickel in pretty good state. I don't know much about nickel values but I believe they are graded by condition of steps, among other things I don't know of. Can somebody please give me an idea of the grade and/or value? Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Yes, you do, but in order to be full steps, five, or better six, steps should be clearly separated across the entire stairway. This is what 5 full steps looks like: Photo is borrowed from Lehigh96 and was posted in this thread: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/th...erson-nickels-defined-photographically.49827/
IMHO.... I'd put it at an AU-53 using PCGS Photograde. The NGC Retail value of that coin is $0.20 - which really means that it is a spender... worth a nickel, as that is probably the true amount you would receive for it from anyone, unless they REALLY wanted the coin.
It is nice condition for a 64 year old nickel (if I have my math right, which has been wrong lately). I'd keep it in my collection for my heirs to squabble over with confusion.
Austin...we can't tell from your pics...does it have a mint mark? We'll have to take your word on the "D". Big diff from no/D/S, but VKB and Dallas have the grade spot on...good, clean fields but worn, maybe even less than a au55...by now you should be clear about the steps, thanks to rickmp...Spark
1954-D is very common. And in that condition, yes, I would spend it as a nickel. The 54-S is lower mintage, and though not really worth much, that one I would hold. If you find an older nickel in excellent condition, then it's worth keeping. But a heavy circulated Jefferson with a high mintage, there's really no market. You can always check this page as a reference: https://www.usacoinbook.com/coins/nickels/jefferson/