Best way to start is by picking something - and buy one. Next, buy something else and see if you are drawn back to the original piece. If not, keep going. If nothing else you put together a nice set of the different coins minted by the US Mint (assuming you are buying US coins)... I think everyone should have a nice variety set. If you want to show off part of your collection I always find people more interested when you take them through the different coins the US minted by putting each in their hands. It's amazing to see the reactions I get. Put 11 MS war nickels in their hands and they are bored after the second one. Eventually you will find something that really "tickles your fancy". Jim - free plug - hope for a discount Just Kidding!