Jefferson Nickel Steps

To get the right answer we would need pics of the coin.

OH

Toning wouldn't affect step count. The year and where minted would matter but not in old to newest year. Specific year and mint issues are more common than others.
If you look at this for a rough guide, you might be able to determine what years are tougher than others.

http://www.numismedia.com/rarecoinprices/fmv.shtml

(Scroll down to Full Step Jefferson nickels)

Nickel has to be in uncirculated (not proof) condition, steps have to be complete from left to right without any hits or missing details. You need at least 5 steps for a nickel to be "Full Step".

To CCF , From my experience I found that MS-64 and better Jefferson's from 1940 - 1945 were common to exhibit full steps , while Jeff's in the 90's were very difficult to find with FS . Later year's again became common for FS .

to the CCF!

to the CCF.

and

Steps on proofs are ignored because most proofs have full steps.

Sorry, just saw this to reply.
Type 2 1942 P proof would probably have full steps being a proof.
Most proofs do have full steps unless it has a contact mark on the steps but be careful. A nick in steps or interruption takes it right out of the game.

Again, "Full Steps" is generally a designation for business strikes in uncirculated condition only. There might be some proofs sold as having full steps but it is kind of redundant.
A normal 1942 P uncirculated 35% silver War Nickel may or may not have full steps and chances are it does not.
Theoretically, you can have an uncirculated MS70 Jefferson nickel but not having full steps, on the other hand, you can have a MS64 of the same date and mintmark with full steps.

A seller may claim it has full steps but you must be knowledgeable enough to determine that for yourself.
Study the series and compare many coins by date and mintmark.
You'll eventually learn to recognize what is hard to find for a particular issue.

Interesting that you mention a 1942 P ty 2 proof.
I have a story about my 1942 P Jefferson Proof.
I bought it as an uncirculated issue and not a proof. I was secretly hoping to myself that it was a TY 2 Proof.
Given the full steps on it I thought it was.

Turned out it was proof and years later I had it graded by ANACS and it came back PF67. Now I wish it was MS67FS!
I would have been better off with a non proof MS67 Full step.
A 1942 P Ty II MS67FS is worth a hundred dollars or more than a PF67.
Read this thread.
http://goccf.com/t/42207#42207