Best thing you can do for yourself is to save it until you read as much as you can stand to and then study some more. After a while choose a field/type of coin to persue.This group is one great bunch of people and will help you but you must learn how to research before asking questions to get the right answers. I'm 67 and am amazed the diversity of this hobby -it's a real big world out there full of opportunity for us,best of luck!
Get the book then see what you like,It's about what YOU like! BUT it is also about investment,fun,history,etc.(i'm talking U.S.A.coinage),So to me knowledge 1st.Make's the most sense&Look around THIS site! HAVE FUN&HAPPY HUNTING!!!
All kidding aside, I would save for 3 or 4 weeks and buy a nice graded Walker 50C You can get some nice MS64's for $60 to 90.00
My book is on its way in the mail. There are a lot of inspiration on these forums. So far, this is my favorite from the stash we found while cleaning out a nasty house.
Another thing you could do is buy some circulated 90% quarters,dimes,halfs for a month or two and get a feel for a series that you may like. A circ set of walkers,Washingtons is relatively cheap but rewarding. Even a circ set of Nickels 1938-2015 from pocket change or roll searching.
Lisa, coins are a lot like meeting someone new...the most enjoyable part is the search. Your 1945-D is worth about 2.50
Jeff's are a good place to start. You can put together a nice basic set (raw) for reasonable money.......I've been toying with maybe doing it, but right now I'm focused on Franklin (raw) halfs......remember, you don't need to always buy the 'best of the best'.......just what you like best. This is a hobby that you want to have fun with.
I am going through all the change buckets in the house. Everyone thinks I am crazy lol. Should I separate the pre 1980 pennies that are not wheat cents, or are those of no consequence?
You don't get the crazy title until the cashiers at the store ask you if they gave you the wrong change and you reply "no just looking to see if I need that date for the book" As far as the pre 80 pennies some do some don't,though is is a good way to save a little extra bonus money.
I would first buy the latest Red Book for coins. Then with 25.00 a week - buy either a silver eagle or a circulated Morgan or Peace silver dollar.
I would buy red-book, grading book, cherry pickers guide. Look thru them find stuff you like. A lot of people do type sets - getting something nice from each series. Maybe a 20th century type set or something like that.