The $450,000 Jefferson Nickel: How “Full Steps” Creates a Fortune

💰 BREAKING: A single 1942-P “Full Steps” Jefferson nickel just sold for $450,000! A tiny detail on Monticello’s steps can turn ordinary pocket change into a life-changing treasure. Here’s what makes these nickels so valuable—and how to check your own.


Why “Full Steps” Nickels Command Six Figures

🔥 Perfect Strike Rarity

  • Fewer than 3-5% of vintage Jefferson nickels qualify for the “Full Steps” (FS) designation.
  • Record Price: $450,000 (1942-P, 5FS, PCGS MS-66, 2024)
  • Key Years: 1939–1964, including wartime silver-alloy nickels.

💎 Grading Requirements for FS Nickels

✅ 5–6 fully separated steps on Monticello
✅ No blending, weakness, or mushy details
✅ Strong original mint luster
✅ Minimal contact marks


⚡ Value Multiplier Effect

Grade Regular Full Steps
MS-63 $50 $5,000
MS-65 $200 $50,000
MS-67 $1,000 $450,000+

How To Spot A Six-Figure Nickel

The $450K Full Steps Checklist:

  1. Date: Look for 1939–1964 nickels (war nickels included).
  2. Steps: Must show 5–6 sharp, distinct steps (use 5x magnification).
  3. Surface: 90%+ original luster.
  4. Strike: Clean building columns, no blurring.

Avoid Worthless Look-Alikes:
❌ Blended or weak steps (even one disqualifies FS)
❌ Cleaned or polished coins
❌ Post-1964 issues (much lower demand)


Top 5 Most Valuable Full Steps Nickels

  1. 1942-P 5FS – $450,000 (MS-66)
  2. 1943-P 5FS – $350,000 (MS-67)
  3. 1950-D 5FS – $325,000 (MS-67)
  4. 1939-D 6FS – $300,000 (MS-68)
  5. 1945-P 5FS – $275,000 (MS-67)

What To Do If You Find One

⚠️ STOP! Don’t clean it.

  • Handle only by the edges with cotton gloves
  • Photograph steps under angled lighting
  • Submit to PCGS or NGC for FS certification
  • Insure for $100K+ before shipping
  • Auction through Heritage or Stack’s

Real Discovery Story

“I found my 1942-P nickel in a bank roll—it paid for my retirement!”
👉 Sold in 2023 for $412,500


Why FS Nickels Are Legendary

✔️ Represent perfect minting conditions
✔️ Fewer exist than the famous 1804 Silver Dollar
✔️ New six-figure discoveries still happen today


💎 Pro Tip: Check ALL your pre-1965 Jefferson nickels—you might have the next $450,000 coin sitting in your change jar!

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