My vote is a nice PL or toned morgan or an odd denomonation, or a large cent. A 1807 or even a 1798 large cent would really get some interest going.
Well I graduated high school last year so my age would be close to his, and as a new collector right now I am doing what a few others have said. I am going out and buying inexpensive yet decent examples of different coins to kind of get my feet wet and see what different designs and denominations I like. I have sampled a few different types so far and plan to broaden my collection even more in this manner. Since that's what I'm doing and my age is close to his I would say this is the way to go. Honestly I couldn't see any other way to begin collecting. If he appreciates the history, then I don't think you could go wrong in any way you go about it. For example there are a few coins I have seen so far and a few I have bought that I just think are really awesome just looking at them. Mercury dimes are one of those examples for me.
+1! A common High grade will show the Beauty of the series, without breaking the bank! That way no biggie if he does not show an interest in collecting. If he starts to collect, Christmas 2012 a VERY Special Morgan! GSA Maybe! Good Luck! Steve
