Everything depends on its condition and mint mark. Look on the back of the coin to see if there's a small mint mark letter to the right of Monticello. It may be blank or there may be a D or S.
Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 08/2013:
No mint mark (Philadelphia):
Very worn condition - $0.24
Moderately worn - $0.42
Slightly worn - $0.90
Almost no wear - $20
Uncirculated - $3.60 to $120.00 depending on quality
"D" mint mark (Denver):
Very worn - $0.84
Moderately worn - $1.14
Slightly worn - $1.38
Almost no wear - $2.70
Uncirculated - $3.90 to $3030.00
"S" mint mark (San Francisco):
Very worn - $1.08
Moderately worn - $1.62
Slightly worn - $1.86
Almost no wear - $3.20
Uncirculated - $4.02 to $182.00
For uncirculated ones with "Full Steps" (i.e. the steps to Monticello are clear and distinct) values are higher.
DISCLAIMER: The retail values quoted are the best available as of the date shown, but may vary due to market fluctuations. Also the wholesale (buying) price of a coin will be less than the selling (retail) price. A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation based on inspection of the coin.
Priceless. The first Jefferson nickel was dated 1938.
Please check your coin again and post a new, separate question. Liberty nickels were minted from 1883 to 1912. A 1938 nickel would be a Jefferson nickel or buffalo nickel.
The first Jefferson nickels were made in 1938.
Please check again and post a new question. Buffalo nickels were struck from 1913 to 1938. Any nickel dated 1939 would be a familiar Jefferson nickel. Look at the coin again, 1938 was the last year a Buffalo nickel was made.
No one is compressed IN a nickel. The portrait ON the nickel is the same as on all nickels made since mid-1938, Thomas Jefferson.
Priceless. The first Jefferson nickel was dated 1938.
Jefferson nickel was created in 1938.
The Jefferson nickel was introduced in 1938.
Please check your coin again and post a new, separate question. Liberty nickels were minted from 1883 to 1912. A 1938 nickel would be a Jefferson nickel or buffalo nickel.
Thomas Jefferson has been on the nickel since 1938.
Yes. The image of Thomas Jefferson was placed on the US nickel in 1938.
1938
The first Jefferson nickels were made in 1938.
Thomas Jefferson, 1938 to date.
Please check again and post a new question. Buffalo nickels were struck from 1913 to 1938. Any nickel dated 1939 would be a familiar Jefferson nickel. Look at the coin again, 1938 was the last year a Buffalo nickel was made.
The same one that's been on the nickel from 1938 Thomas Jefferson
The first Jefferson nickels were released in 1938.