Full Step Newbie Needs Info

johngerman · February 22, 2007 10:38AM

I recently went about as far as I can go on my type set, so I decided to start trying to collect PO-1 and FR-2 Dollars, and since it seems one comes up about every millenia or so, I decided maybe I should embark in a new direction to pass the time...Full Step Jeffies.

I would like some of the more experienced collectors to endear me with knowlage, but would also like to hear anyones comments and experiences collecting this variety.

I would like a definition of Full Step as most see it. I am sure there are some variances on how people collect these, but I assume there is some standard guideline to follow. Can there be a bag mark across them, or does that negate the "Full Step"? As you can see, I really know nil about them and although my resources are limited, I do believe I could enjoy this challenge and afford most examples.

Also, it would be nice to collect something I can find in my pocket change for once in a long time. Kinda miss those days now that I think of it! Any help is greatly appreciated and again, I welcome stories and lessons learned. Thank you all. John

bsshog40 · February 22, 2007 10:43AM

Full steps are exactlly what they state. They cannot have contact marks across and cannot merge together at any point. I collect jeffersons but just started the last few months. Have read alot, and asked alot, but I'm still know wizard on them. Hope the FS issue helps.

Edscoin · February 22, 2007 1:42PM

From the Full step nickel club newsletter.( Full step Nickels are defined as 5 or 6 unbroken and untagged steps that extend fully from left to right) untagged meaning no Ticks, nicks or bridges. Notice it says 5 OR 6. Most Third party graders call 5 steps Full Steps. NGC and ANACS notes 5 or 6 steps on there slabs.
PCGS just says Full Step so they can be 5 or 6 steps.
Most collectors say coins from 1938 to 1989 can be 5 steps and from 1990 till present needs 6 steps to be called full steps
Some are easly found and command a small premium. Some are very rare and command huge premiums.
A few dates just don't exist so you just settle for the most steps you can get.
Slabed Full step Nickels can get very expensive but I have found at coin shows sometimes you can cherrypick some nice raw coins fairly resonable as a lot dealers don't take the time to really look at those lowly nickels.
I have been collecting these for about eight years now and it has been the most challenging and enjoyable sets I have tryed to put together and I never get tired of hunting them!

Type2 · February 22, 2007 2:59PM

Full Step

This one not Full Steps at PCGS

johngerman · February 23, 2007 12:04PM

Thanks for the insight guys, I do appreciate the info. I have began to notice that my rookie mouth should not say something like, seem reasonable and easily accesible before my eyes begin to see the light. There is no joke in the fact that some of these cammand strong if not huge premiums and I sat here thinking.."Sure, no problem, cheap way to enjoy the hobby!" Hehe. Oh well, at least there IS a challenge here. I may take the sage advice of Edscoin and do a little cherry picking and see what I can come up with in that regard. Anyways, what's the fun in collecting something if there is no challenge?

I even looked at rolls to see if I could cherry pick out of them, but eBay and my local dealer want a pretty penny for the early rolls as well. Mut be something in this series if they all command the $. Maybe I will start backwards and work my way down to the early ones!

Thanks again for the help guys, it is great to hear from you all. John

Edscoin · February 23, 2007 2:36PM

Pick up a copy of The Jefferson Nickel Analyst by Bernard Nagengast.
This is probably the best book on Jefferson's you can get. A must have if you collect Jefferson Nickels well worth the cost.
You can get one here.
http://cgi.ebay.com/The-Jefferson-Nickel-Analyst-by-Bernard-Nagengast_W0QQitemZ160088926601QQihZ006QQcategoryZ530QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Type2 · February 23, 2007 2:49PM

If you pick up some 2006 you can find some Full Steps most of them are full step they did them right that year keep posting and any Question is a good Question.

cladking · February 23, 2007 2:57PM

You may want to watch for early die state examples where possible. Some of the
full step nickels are actually tougher in EDS than later die states but this is true primarily
only on the late '40's to early '60's coins.

Many of these are distressingly difficult to find very well struck and very high grade. A
nice matched gem set will keep you busy a while. There are a few dates that you'll
probably have to settle for less than FS. It is especially here where good quality and
good step count are most important.

Good luck.

johngerman · February 24, 2007 12:13PM

Awesome response guys. I plan to aquire a copy of the TJNA, and thanks for the linky edscoin. I have read a bit more about the Full Steps, and have already begun preperations for the local show this April. There are a few dealers I am sure will have some. I also plan on doing a little traveling around and see if I can scrounge up some nice "cherries".

Thanks again guys, you are the reason these boards were created. I appreciate all the tips and advice.

John

Full Step Newbie Needs Info

Comments

Leave a Comment