In the Jefferson Nickel grading guides, the experts (I'm not one of them) say that grading Jefferson nickels does not necessarily address the steps on the reverse.  Agreed!

Nevertheless, a genuine full step example is invariably more sought after then those that are not.

BUT.................... Beware of several issues:

1. I am perplexed that virtually all of the grading services are (in my opinion) too lax and liberal in their designation of full steps, i.e.,                 

In other words, be careful in taking a grading services's word that the coin has full steps.  Too many are incomplete.  I sometimes wonder if they think it means five steps.  That description is okay, but FS, or Full Steps means six, complete, no breaks, straight across from left to right, steps.  All of them are there.

2.  Even if the coins has nice steps in the center, be sure and note that there are some stunning examples that not only have full steps in the center, but, ALAS, also have full steps at the base of each wing of Monticello.  Oh yes, these fully struck specimens are stunning.  For a good short course in these "wing steps", look at virtually any proof Jeff and note these steps.

3.  While full steps are nice, also note the strength of the pillars in Monticello above the steps as well as the detail (if any) in the window frames.   Additionlly, I also suggest that you see how well are the window frames struck. I have just seen a couple on Heritage Auction site, described by PCGS as FS and the base of the pillars are virtually non-existent.  I don't have a clue how this is possible, but that doesn't change what I see.

4.  And lastly, there are some yucky coins that still have full steps.  See the streaked coin imaged below:

Thus, as you patiently assemble your Jefferson collection, you will look at thousands of coins before you find the full steps on the center, the wings and full detail on the window frames.  These are the ones that you might want to consider paying a premium vs. those that just have some nice steps in the center.

Lastly, let me encourage you to be patient.  Seeking out well struck Jeffs is a real chase and you will see lots of coins that don't measure up.  Keep on keeping on.