The intent of this guide is not be a review of the best of best nikkor lenses. There are several such guides on the internet. This guide is about the best value Nikkors, probably not the best, but with the results as good as the best and costly alternative.

Ultra-wides
20mm f/3.5
The lens takes the standard 52mm filters. It is more flare resistant than the faster lens. It is also smaller and weighs less.
Costs about $175 - $225

Wides
24mm f/2.8
Any of the 24mm f/2.8s are very good lenses.All of them have the close range correction(CRC) and are extremely sharp. The best ones are the AI versions.
Can be had for anywhere between $75 - $200. Do not pay more than $120.
28mm f/3.5
The best 28mm Nikkor is the 2.8 AIS version that focuses to 0.2m. But the other 28mms are not bad at all. They are really good. This one is better than the f/2.8 AIS version at infinity. Can be had for less than $100.
35mm f/2 Nikkor-O or AI version
As good as the AIS version. I use an AI converted Nikkor-O. This one is as good as the f/1.4 version and has lesser distortion. Very good dreamy bokeh that has a 3D effect.
The f/2.8 versions are cheaper, but not good value.

Standard lenses
Any of the 50mm f/1.8 or f/2
They are the best. All of the f/1.8 or f/2 performs superbly. Super sharp and super contrast. Even the series E 50mm is as good as the nikkor and costs much much less. The winner is the Series E 50mm in this category.
Another option is the 55mm micro. Very sharp, no distortion.

Short Telephoto
Series E 100mm
This lens is almost as good as the legendary 105mm f/2.5 and costs about $75. If you've a little bit extra money, buy the 105mm f/2.5. But you'll not miss much if you go for the series E.
Do not go for any of the 85mms. You'll hear myths like the 85mm f/1.8 is a superb lens. Believe me, the 85mm f/1.8 manual focus lens is not a great lens. It's just an urban legend that caused it's price to skyrocket. All the manual focus 85mms have bad bokeh.

Telephoto
Nikkor 135mm f/3.5
As good as the f/2.8 version. Very good bokeh and very sharp.

Super Telephoto
Nikkor 200mm f/4
This is really a gem. Go for the AI or AIS version. Super sharp wide open, good bokeh, very light, and takes 52mm filters.
If you want a faster lens, then go for the AI 180mm f/2.8 (non-ED). The AIS ED version is supposed to be slightly better than the non-ED AI version. But, that is evident only in the tests. You'll not see a difference in your slides or prints. All the Nikkor 180mms are professional grade.