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I just came across a 1939 nickel in near perfect condition. Looking at coinflation.com they only show the value of '46-'11 nickels. What is a '39 made out of, and is it anything special?

The 38-41 nickel is made out of 75%Cu and 25%Ni .
Pricing Per numismedia.com
XF40=.30
AU50=1.80
MS60=2.22

There are also a bunch of varieties for the 1939 nickels. There's the Type 1 and Type 2. I believe it has something to do with the reverse of 1940 being incorporated into that issue. I never quite understood that or really even pursued it to any degree.

I have a couple rolls of them acquired from circ finds. I just like 'em. Their rate of survivability is fairly high since they look like most everything else still in circulation.

Know Common Cents wrote:Their rate of survivability is fairly high since they look like most everything else still in circulation.

It's amazing, I almost spent it - that's a 1989....no, a 1959....no....really it's a 1939! Doesn't look more than 10 years old.

So...we're saying minimum value is 30 cents? If I start sorting nickels are all the early years worth more than 5c even though they aren't silver...if I find rolls of them? Sure would be a lot cleaner hand sort than pennies....

Number21 wrote:So...we're saying minimum value is 30 cents? If I start sorting nickels are all the early years worth more than 5c even though they aren't silver...if I find rolls of them? Sure would be a lot cleaner hand sort than pennies....

The market for pre 60 Jeffersons is still early. Right now it is hard to find a buyer for the common dates. You might be able to get .10 each. I would just hold on to them. Look for the silver and the key/semi key dates:
1938-D
1938-S
1939-D
1939-S
1950-D
You can check pricing here.
www.numismedia.com/fmv/prices/jefnkl/pricesgd.shtml

A 1939 nickel is a nickel worth keeping!