1965 5c 5 Full Steps?

Save your money.



to the CCF!

+1 for save your money.

For the last three months I've been analyzing what is considered Full Steps and I can tell you that after browsing probably hundreds of nickel photos from Heritage auctions, I'm still confused as I was when I started my quest to discover what FS designation means. I watched all the PCGS videos, read the descriptions from various sites. It appears they determine full steps based on how many full "lines" appear within the steps space. If I place my imaginary self in the photo and actually walk the steps starting at the very top level, your photo has 5 actual steps (4 horizontal lines). However, the grading services also place a value on how strong those lines are and that's where according to the PCGS video, your bottom line would be questionable.

They also mentioned any interruptions in the lines such as clear break caused by a deep bag mark or other would deem the coin as not FS. I would agree with the others who commented above that some of the photos you posted from coinfacts website have obvious breaks in those lines.

Perhaps it all comes down to is it your lucky day upon grading. I just learned grading is a two reviewer system, with a third as a tie breaker if needed. If both reviewers gave you the FS, then that is what your coin is slabbed with. Whether right or wrong, on the day you try to sell it, most buyers would probably not be willing to pay a premium due to their opinion of a weak FS. From the straight on angle (your photo #2), it appears weak and unfortunately that is the photo others would see in an auction photo.