Set Description
NGC recognizes coins in the Jefferson Nickel series that have 6 Full Steps by the designation of either ”FS” or “6FS” on its holders. In contrast, PCGS & ANACS have long recognized "full steps” as coins bearing the top 5 steps uninterrupted, and thus designate such examples on their holders as “FS” coins. (NGC recognizes 5 step coins solely by the designation “5FS”.) There is a clear distinction, however, between 6 and 5 FS nickels, the former being truly rare, and the latter being but somewhat rare (except for a few issues). Serious collectors of the series know that a complete 6 FS set is impossible.
The designation of Full Steps on Jefferson Nickels refers to the completeness of the steps in the center of Monticello that can be seen on the reverse design of the Jefferson Nickel. On the design of the building there are layers of six different steps on the highest points of the design. A designation of full steps is a reference to the completeness on the steps on this portion of the design. The steps are counted from top to bottom. A FS nickel is one where all six steps of the porch of Monticello are fully incused and uninterrupted by ticks or bridges from the left to right buttress of the porch. The completeness of the bottom step determines the 6 STEPS designation. A weak bottom step with 5 complete steps is 5FS. Often In grading Jefferson Nickels, on otherwise sharp steps, the bottom two will be merged together; and such a coin will get the 5 step designation. Tick marks that disrupt the steps will either limit the step count to 5, or completely void the FS designation, depending on where they hit.
While six full steps on Monticello makes for an attractive coin, this feature is rare and completely missing on many issues from 1938 to date. Many dates have no known examples, making this a challenging, but often frustrating area of collecting.
One final note, because Monticello is one of the highest points of the design, Jefferson nickels that show all six steps are often also referred to as “fully struck”. However, this is often a misnomer. The designation “FS” should not be confused as meaning that the coin is “fully struck”. Although having full steps it is somewhat indicative of that attribute, the overall strike quality of the Jefferson Nickel series varies so widely that a coin may exhibit full steps, while not appearing to be otherwise “fully struck” on its surfaces. (Other areas of Monticello that can be used for determining a fully struck Jefferson nickel are the vertical pillars within Monticello.)
Set Goals
Mint State Jefferson Nickels (1938-date) certified by NGC as having 6 full steps on reverse.