Please take another look at your coin. Since 1938, US nickels have carried a portrait of Thomas Jefferson, which is why they're called Jefferson nickels. Washington is on the quarter.
Please see the Related Question for more information.
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It's the usual practice of this site to answer a single question at a time. Please see:"What is the value of a 1940 US nickel?""What is the value of a 1942 US nickel?""What is the value of a 1944 US nickel?"
Your coin is called a Jefferson nickel. Liberty nickels were minted from 1883 to 1912. For information on values and mint marks please see the question "What is the value of a 1940 US nickel?"
If you got in change, just spend it.
It's worth around $2 in uncirculated condition; otherwise it's only worth face value. Five cents.
Please don't assume that because a coin is old it has to be made out of silver. These coins are called "nickels" because ... they're made from nickel (and copper). The only nickels to contain any silver were the so-called "war nickels" minted from 1942 to 1945. Your nickel, and all others ever minted except for war nickels, is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. There's more information at the question "What is the value of a 1940 US nickel?"