The coin that got me started was actually a 1938-1961 Jefferson nickels book! My father gave it to me and I was fascinated by all the history this little book contained. Then he gave it to me!
a 1959 franklin half proof got me hooked. the one coin i will have until they nail shut my coffin(sorry economy, im taking it with me.)
Mine was 6 coins, and a picture. We found an uncirculated morgan dollar in the house, with an old price tag of $3 and a less old price tag of $10. My dad had bought it some years back for the labeled price of $10, and I took an (un)educated guess that it was worth a lot more than that. (this was last November) So, I knew interest was low on banks, and since it was silver, the thing had to have a good return. So I went down to my local pawn shop, to buy some silver. The owner of the place, who happens to be a family friend, steered me to the barbers. I liked the dimes, so I bought 5. Then, since I am a history buff, I looked them up, and hold for suspence, wikipedia had a beautiful picture of a higher grade barber dime! And, as they say, "the rest is history"
