1965 FS Jefferson Nickel. Very High Auction Price. Full Steps?

Your nickel looks more like a nickel from an SMS set.

Your pictures are not clear enough to tell whether the steps are full or not.

Anybody that pays David Lawrence (or anybody else trying to sell a full step 65 nickel) 46k$ for it needs to make an appointment with a psychiatrist for a head examination.

This is a unicorn nickel, a date that's remarkably difficult to find with full steps in a grade that's remarkably difficult to find no matter what.
Philly struck 131 million of those 1965 nickels (some were actually made in 1964) and of those 131 million coins only two (!) have graded MS Full Steps at PCGS.
That makes this coin one of two known examples (at PCGS) of a FS 1965 Philly Jefferson and also the top pop FS coin for the date.

The 1965 MS65 5FS is listed at $10,000 and David Lawrence sold the MS 66 FS coin for $40,000 in 2008. It is currently listed for $46,000 + BP (only $6,000 appreciation in 11 years despite being the finest known example.)

OP...

Don't be discouraged. This is all a learning process and it don't get "learned" overnight! You are not wasting anyone's time.

The 46k$ nickel is one of those things that NEVER, EVER gets busted out of it's slab because the Grading Gods might not see it in the same light again. This is a crazy hobby/business and funny things can happen.

Chances are, and the odds are pretty good, that out of some of those other 131,000,000 +/- 1965 nickels might also be full steps and might even grade 67 or 68 FS.....they just haven't been discovered yet. If so, and one gets slabbed that high, what then happens to the poor smuck that paid 46k$ for his 66? His top pop 66 nickel just got shot out of the saddle and the newly crowned king of 67 or 68 will become the standard of excellence and command the new benchmark price. Does his 66 still warrant 46k$? Is it even worth half that?

It can get crazy when you think about it.

Looks NT to me, lovely Jefferson, and westernsky is right on the money about the odds eventually not being in that coin's favor!

Nice looking 1964 nickel....it looks proof to me! Best guess on a grade would be "67".

As long as you enjoy the hobby is really all that matters. I step back every once in a while and take a break but always come back.

I've been collecting and accumulating since the 1960's. I've done a lot of stupid stuff but have hit my share of "home runs", too! I try to stay interested, active and offer encouragement to others.

I can attest that this coin community ...CCF.... is the best. There are a lot of great and knowledgeable people here that are willing to share their knowledge. All you gotta do is ask!

Thankfully, FS nickels are one addiction I don't have.

Detecting FS Nickels could fry your brains especially if your a senior collector . One would need at least a high powered loupe or better still a decent microscope . Don't let this discourage you from sorting these Bad Boys out , the monetary rewards would be overwhelming .

Understood gentlemen. I will only throw this point out there as you guys commented. I did do more research. Still nothing conclusive EXCEPT...on PCGS Coin Facts, where they show the only two or three SMS nickels, led me to Newman Numismatic Portal Washington University, which led to a Heritage Auctions Catalog This is a portion of one of those SMS descriptions:

"This piece shows an amazing, sculptural depth of detail that is uniformly absent on business strikes, yet fully equal to the strike on a proof coin. The finish however, is non reflective, with heavy die polishing lines that are a theme with variations on the 1964 SMS coinage. On the reverse, not only are the five Steps complete (the bottom sixth step is not), but most of the small steps on the porticos on each side are complete as well..."

HA also has a description for an SMS again from a PCGS grading. It says this:

"This piece is razor sharp, with the characteristic faint die striations in the fields. Each side displays a blush of light Gold toning, and the preservation is virtually flawless"

My points...other general descriptions I found state similar 'no sixth step" about SMS, although does that mean on 'some' variations, or all? And the 'Golden toning' is a common theme as well. Yup. But who knows.

I'll find out about my coin when the professionals tell us what it is. "That's a nice Proof sir"

Or the highly unlikely scenario..."Congratulations sir, it's a SMS. A Beauty."

Or, not beyond the realm of possibility as I saw some beauty's..."That's an exceptional Business strike sir."

It's fun to dream. To hope.

Much more to learn

(NOTE: I have the microscope LOL. Showed those pics from using it on Buffalo nickel posts. Very useful tool. Onward....)