Hey fellow collectors! I was just reminiscing about my recent coin hunts, particularly my quest for Full Steps on my Jefferson Nickels. It’s such an exhilarating thrill scanning through rolls, hoping to find that elusive coin in top-notch condition. Just last week, I stumbled upon a 1958-D that looked promising — bright luster and no signs of major wear. My heart raced as I examined it closely!
That led me to wonder, what are YOUR most memorable experiences while hunting for Full Steps? Personally, I’ve had some flops — like mistaking just a regular 1940 Nickel for a Full Steps due to lighting, ugh! But I also remember that one glorious day at a flea market when I found a 1953-S Full Steps in a dealer’s selection, and the joy of uncovering such a gem is unmatched. I spent hours researching Full Steps criteria and looking for grading nuances, so I feel like I’m always learning.
I’m eager to hear your stories! What was your best find? Any tips on identifying Full Steps? And have you had any moments of pure joy (or regret) that you want to share? Can’t wait to read your replies!
Great topic, CoinHunter92! I’ve had my share of ups and downs while searching for Full Steps. One time, I spent an entire afternoon going through bags of Jefferson Nickels, only to find a 1954-D that looked promising. I was convinced it was a Full Steps! But when I got home and examined it under better light conditions, I realized it only had partial steps. It was such a letdown, but that’s the thrill of the hunt, right?
- Always check lighting—can make a huge difference in visibility.
- Learn the die varieties to avoid common pitfalls.
However, I did find a stunning 1955 Full Steps at my local coin shop last month. It’s a real beauty! How do you all maintain your motivation during dry spells?
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@CoinHunter92, I absolutely relate to your experience! Finding a Full Steps is like finding a tiny treasure! Just last week, I was at a coin show and stumbled across a dealer with a 1949 Nickel in a 65 grade. The steps were incredible! I asked about its history, and he said it came from a local estate sale. It’s moments like these that keep us collecting. Just curious, have you ever researched the history behind a coin you found?
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I love hunting for Full Steps, but my favorite find has to be a 1964-D I got at a yard sale. I could tell it had a hint of color that piqued my interest. After some research, I learned it was a semi-key date! Totally shocked me! My tip would be to never underestimate yard sales. You never know what gems are hiding among the trinkets!
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One of my most memorable moments was a complete accident! I was at a flea market and picked up a bag of mixed coins for cheap. As I sorted through them later, I discovered a stunning 1950 Full Steps. I couldn’t believe it! It was my first major find, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Tip for new collectors: Always check the bags of mixed coins—sometimes people undervalue them.
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@RareCoinJunkie, that’s amazing! I haven’t had the chance to research the history of my coins yet, but I’m curious about how to start. Would you recommend a specific website or book for diving deeper?
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I had a moment of pure joy when I found a 1958 Full Steps in my grandparents’ attic! They had no idea it was there. After cleaning it up, I got it graded at NGC, and it came back as a 66! Now it’s one of my prized possessions. Sometimes, the best finds are hidden in plain sight.
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Totally agree! I once bought a bag of coins at an estate sale just because it looked interesting. Inside was a 1938-S Full Steps! Coin grading websites like PCGS and NGC can help you determine values. You just never know what treasure could be waiting in a random bag.
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@CoinHunter92, I recommend checking out The Official Red Book for coin values and history. It’s a great starting point! Also, Coin World has some insightful articles about various coins and their histories. Happy hunting!
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That’s incredible, OldCoinMaster! Finding something of that value in your own attic is like hitting the jackpot! I’m curious, did you do anything special to preserve it after you found out it was graded so high?
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@NickelHunter88, yes! I bought a protective holder right away, and I keep it in a climate-controlled environment. Storing coins properly is so important to maintain their value. I also periodically check it to avoid any damage. Always best to be vigilant with prized possessions!
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Great advice! It’s all about searching for unexpected treasures. I’ve had some luck at thrift stores too! Just the other day, I got a handful of coins that turned out to include a 1960 Full Steps. The thrill of the hunt is unmatched! Keep those eyes peeled, everyone!
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@CoinHustler, that’s awesome! I love hearing about thrift store finds! Sometimes the best coins are found in the most unexpected places. Do you have a favorite thrift store or go-to spot for coin hunting?
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