God bless all who believe in him. Do unto others what you expect to be done to you. Dubbed a "Committee Secret Agent" by @mr1931S on 7/23/24. Founding member of CU Anti-Troll League since 9/24/24.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
The grades, one of which is correct, seem to range from MS65, 66, 66+, 67 and 68. Most favor MS66, but the only thing agreed upon is no Full Step designation.
Most likely MS66.
Quite a number of years ago when PCGS did the quarterly Collectors Club specials I submitted a 1938-D Jefferson Nickel that graded MS66FS. At the time it was a low pop coin because they were still grading the R.38 steps like the R.40 steps. That area on my coin was absolutely hammered. Since that change was made the pops have exploded.
@jfriedm56 said:
The ‘38-D Jeffersons pretty much come nicely struck with lots of luster and toned a lightly golden color as this coin does. MS67. No FS.
Came down here to say this, these come very nice and there is some chatter in the reverse field under PLURIBUS, I would call it 66 but I would not be shocked if it was in a 65 holder. I would be very shocked if it graded any higher than 66.
Sean Reynolds
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
So that is what most of us would call a "coffin coin" since it is by no stretch of anybody's imagination Full Steps. This is why I sold my collection of Mint State Jefferson Nickels 20 years ago, PCGS refuses to adhere to their own definition of the designation in their grading book.
@SanctionII said:
I just looked at the three Plate Coins on Coin Facts for 1938 D FS nickels.
IMHO none of the three nickels warrant the FS designation. Maybe I am too picky
I think that this Plate coin does warrant the FS designation.
The steps in 1938 were not as defined as those on later issues, they were modified in 1939. Any full step 1938 nickel (and some 1939 with the earlier style) are graded on a curve.
Sean Reynolds
Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
"The steps in 1938 were not as defined as those on later issues, they were modified in 1939. Any full step 1938 nickel (and some 1939 with the earlier style) are graded on a curve."---Sean Reynolds
Great information! My observation is that circulation strike Jefferson nickels with full steps from the late '30s and early '40s are seen less often than full bands on Mercury dimes from the same era.
“I believe in intuitions and inspirations. I sometimes feel that I am right. I do not know that I am. When two expeditions of scientists, financed by the Royal Academy, went forth to test my theory of relativity, I was convinced that their conclusions would tally with my hypothesis. I was not surprised when the eclipse of May 29, 1919, confirmed my intuitions. I would have been surprised if I had been wrong.”
“Then you trust more to your imagination than to your knowledge?”
“I am enough of the artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
Albert Einstein- quoted in Saturday Evening Post interview (1929)
PCGS originally graded/designated the step area on 1938 Reverse coins the same as 1940 Reverse coins. They changed at some point, I think around 2005, because of the "wavy" nature of the R.38 step lines. I have owned R.38 coins which were Full Step coins, but the image above depicts what is normal for the date, weakness at pillar three, primarily steps 5-6. JMHO, but without that detail a coin shouldn't be designated as having Full Steps.
Comments
66
If mine probably a MS65 but since you are asking possibly a MS67FS OR MS63
66+
Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value. Zero. Voltaire. Ebay coinbowlllc
67 gorgeous coin.
no FS
MS66
Shot 65, cheek has alot of action, also some roughness by "E P" on reverse. Under a glass
Has a nice look overall though.
67
I'm in the 66 camp. I as well feel there's small stuff holding it up. Beautiful coin in my eyes as well.
(I'd like to see a plus to)
66
67 no FS
Casual collector: Morgans & Peace Dollars & 20th Century Type Set. Successful BST transactions with Morgan13, CoinFinder, CoinHunter4, Bretsan.
Looks like one I had certified many years ago as MS67.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
MS67. No FS.
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Retired sets: Soaring Eagles
Copperindian
Nickelodeon
I am drawn to that coin. It is mesmerizing.
Superb GEM- call it whatever number you feel comfortable with.
The coin supersedes the 'grade.'
peacockcoins
I'm in the 66 camp, but I think it gets a + for the luster. No FS, but no matter. Nice strike overall. Lovely piece.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
67, not FS camp
If we were all the same, the world would be an incredibly boring place.
Tommy
MS66
I'm guessing PCGS said MS68FS, from this photo I would personally grade it MS66+ no steps.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
66 no FS
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
MS68 no FS is my second guess.
I initially thought MS66 No FS, but it might go MS67. Chatter in the middle might be original planchet defects that didn't strike out.
Life member of ANA
66 to me.
God bless all who believe in him. Do unto others what you expect to be done to you. Dubbed a "Committee Secret Agent" by @mr1931S on 7/23/24. Founding member of CU Anti-Troll League since 9/24/24.
The correct answer has been guessed. I'll give it a bit more time before the reveal to let others chime in.
It looks strong for a 66. I'll say 66+ because it looks a tad short of 67.
Well yeah, everything but PO1 has been guessed.
A very pleasing coin. I'd like to have it.
The ‘38-D Jeffersons pretty much come nicely struck with lots of luster and toned a lightly golden color as this coin does. MS67. No FS.
MS-66, no full steps.
The grades, one of which is correct, seem to range from MS65, 66, 66+, 67 and 68. Most favor MS66, but the only thing agreed upon is no Full Step designation.
Most likely MS66.
Quite a number of years ago when PCGS did the quarterly Collectors Club specials I submitted a 1938-D Jefferson Nickel that graded MS66FS. At the time it was a low pop coin because they were still grading the R.38 steps like the R.40 steps. That area on my coin was absolutely hammered. Since that change was made the pops have exploded.
Came down here to say this, these come very nice and there is some chatter in the reverse field under PLURIBUS, I would call it 66 but I would not be shocked if it was in a 65 holder. I would be very shocked if it graded any higher than 66.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
Could go 66 or 67 depending on when it was graded. It shouldn't get FS but PCGS has handed out a few for steps that look like that.
Ok. Here's the reveal. This is one of the 1938 D MS68 FS examples from Coinfacts.

Nice job @coinbuf
I just looked at the three Plate Coins on Coin Facts for 1938 D FS nickels.
IMHO none of the three nickels warrant the FS designation. Maybe I am too picky
I think that this Plate coin does warrant the FS designation.
So that is what most of us would call a "coffin coin" since it is by no stretch of anybody's imagination Full Steps. This is why I sold my collection of Mint State Jefferson Nickels 20 years ago, PCGS refuses to adhere to their own definition of the designation in their grading book.
The steps in 1938 were not as defined as those on later issues, they were modified in 1939. Any full step 1938 nickel (and some 1939 with the earlier style) are graded on a curve.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
curve? definitions are definitions. steps - known word. full - variable definition in webster's?
Reverse of 38 is deceptive, some say none qualify as FS
Nice! I would have guessed 67+. I'm pleasantly surprised.
After reading follow up threads, it appears I am not too picky.
Instead I simply do not know the subject matter of circulation strike Jefferson Nickels to a degree that provides credibility to my previous post
I prostrate myself before the forum and ask for mercy
A picture speaks 1,000 words.
If we were all the same, the world would be an incredibly boring place.
Tommy
Nice Jeff!
"The steps in 1938 were not as defined as those on later issues, they were modified in 1939. Any full step 1938 nickel (and some 1939 with the earlier style) are graded on a curve."---Sean Reynolds
Great information! My observation is that circulation strike Jefferson nickels with full steps from the late '30s and early '40s are seen less often than full bands on Mercury dimes from the same era.
“I believe in intuitions and inspirations. I sometimes feel that I am right. I do not know that I am. When two expeditions of scientists, financed by the Royal Academy, went forth to test my theory of relativity, I was convinced that their conclusions would tally with my hypothesis. I was not surprised when the eclipse of May 29, 1919, confirmed my intuitions. I would have been surprised if I had been wrong.”
“Then you trust more to your imagination than to your knowledge?”
“I am enough of the artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
Albert Einstein- quoted in Saturday Evening Post interview (1929)
PCGS originally graded/designated the step area on 1938 Reverse coins the same as 1940 Reverse coins. They changed at some point, I think around 2005, because of the "wavy" nature of the R.38 step lines. I have owned R.38 coins which were Full Step coins, but the image above depicts what is normal for the date, weakness at pillar three, primarily steps 5-6. JMHO, but without that detail a coin shouldn't be designated as having Full Steps.