As I read your final comments, I would say that it appears you have some very good basic attributes , which in my opinion will allow you to both enjoy this field of interest and perhaps also enjoy the " Spoils " of your labors . Happy hunting and know that knowledge is simply not learned from books. It takes years of experience as much as it does a willingness to learn from others through your sharing information, questions or concerns. It's a task that is highly enjoyable when your surrounded by those that share your thirst. These forums are but one such venue. There are Coin Clubs, Associations and other such devoted discussion forums. Thanks for sharing.
Take a MS-63 1935 Hudson as an example. 1935 $6 1936 $9 50% per year growth 40 $5.50 -61% per year growth 45 $15 23% per year 50 $15 0% per year 55 $55 30% per year 60 $100 13% 65 $275 23% 70 $250 -2% 75 $500 15% 80 $1700 27% 85 $1050 -10% 90 $720 -7% 95, 2000, don't have any info 2005 $950 2% 2010 $1050 2.2% Growth per annum since 1935 7.5% Not a bad rate But timing can be important. Since 1936 6.7% Since 1940 7.7% Since 45 6.7% Since 1950 7.1% Since 1955 5.7% Since 1960 5% Since 1965 3% Since 1970 3.5% Since 1975 2.5% Since 1980 -1.5% Since 1985 0% Since 1990 2% Since 2005 2.5% So since 1960 it has not managed to keep up with inflation if held long term. (Although there were some really good short term gains.)
Mike, Welcome and first and foremost, collect what you enjoy and enjoy what you collect (said many times but never enough -- when I stray from that maxim, things never work out). As for buying coins for investment, RUN Forrest Run!! There's a lot of people like Lance and Leadfoot and the Lost Dutchman here in this thread who know more than a bit about coins but all have good advice. You might also try the search function and read a few of the things Doug the moderator has said about coins and investing.