full steps 5 steps is considered the industry standard for "full steps." Some places will make a distinction, and there is no question that a 6-step coin carries a premium over a 5-step. Any price guide I can think of that lists prices for FS coins, though, is referring to 5 steps. By the way, many collectors are favoring the 4-part grading system for steps. You look at the steps under each of the 4 columns on Monticello, and tell how many steps are present. A full step coin will grade 5-5-5-5 or better. You can get lots of other combinations, though, like 5-4-2-5, etc. This system much more accurately describes the steps on a coin, and allows for small disruption to the steps without taking away from the strength of the strike.
PCGS guide 2 grading n counterfeit detection says: 5 1/2 or 6 steps are fully defined in the portrait of Monticello, TJ's home, on the reverse. Found in the glossary under full steps. But I agree with RickieB and GDJMSP. BTCNTS
I'm just happy if most of them are full. I don't have any with six, but I have two with five steps. I've been hesitant about submitting them because I don't want to unless I know they'll come back as "full steps". Personally, I think five steps is full enough. I've seen them graded so with only five.
These nickels were sent to NGC last year if I remember right...as you can see one says 6 Steps and the other one 5.... Speedy
The design calls for 6, but for many years of the series, it's tough enough to find examples with 5 steps. Such 5-step Jeffs often sell at a premium since there are none known for the date with more steps. I believe there are a few dates for which no 5 step business strike examples have been found.
Actually 5 steps isn't bad considering the criteria. The steps MUST go all the way across uninterrupted. Not only does that mean no soft strike spots where the steps merge a bit (4.75 steps). It also means no damage interrupting a step (for instance, a bag mark that cuts a step's continuity.) That makes it a bit tougher. My War Nickel set is all FS. One of these days I'll check to see if any are 6-steps, but I doubt it. And I'm missing the '43/2-P.
