Value of Return to Monticello Nickel (2006-Present)

After the two year break for the commemorative Jefferson Nickels, production resumed with the Return to Monticello Nickels. In this new design, Jefferson was bought back to the face of the coin, however he was offset to the left side of the coin with his shoulders in view. The reverse of the coin continued to show the vintage Monticello design. This is a well designed copper coin because it mixes the vintage design of the Jefferson Nickel, with the new and reimagined illustration of Thomas Jefferson. These coins are too modern to pinpoint any specific errors that might make this series more valuable. As far as it is concerned from a numismatic stand-point, these coins are common and worth face value.

If you do happen to find a Return to Monticello Nickel that appears to have an error, please contact us to talk with an expert about what you might have found.

Why Does My Graded Nickel Say “FS”?

The Jefferson Nickels have two distinct designations. The letters FS stand for Full Steps. This is the grading company’s way of showing that this coin has an exceptional strike. Sometimes, FS may be preceded by a 5 or 6, showing how many steps are visible.

Above, on the left, is a coin with a standard strike. This standard strike is good but weak around the steps area. This coin would not receive the FS designation because the horizontal lines that make up the steps do not extend across the entire staircase. It is important that the lines extend the entire length of the staircase without being impeded for the coin to receive the FS.

Above, on the right, is a coin with the Full Step designation. This coin shows five complete lines extending across the staircase. Since there is no break in the line, this coin is called “5FS.”