Newbie Needs Help Starting Collection

Jefferson nickels are a pretty easy set to put together. Still a lot of quality coins out there and not too expensive. I guess it all depends on what you like, how much time you want to take and what your budget will allow. Just enjoy it, don't let it become a tedious chore.

I started my three nieces off with Whitman folders and a $25 box of one cent Lincolns from the bank. We eventually searched three boxes, looking for crisp, clean coins and upgrading their collection as we went along. I also separated and set aside anything before 1983, those are copper, for my personal hoard! Then we switched to buying bags of wheat cents off of ebay. Shop around to get a reasonable price. Now it's just a matter of time to fill in the gaps.

I agree Jeffersons are a good series. It has silver (war nickles), a few harder ones to find, and enough easy ones to keep the search success rate high.

I also collect the ATB and State Quarters. The fun thing about the ATB series is so many reverses (state quarts too for that matter), and if collecting P & B mints you get 10 new quarters a year.

Otherwise just collect what looks fun to you.

To keep the cast down you can coin roll hunt. It only cost you face value of what you keep.

Good luck!

I don't think anyone can really tell you what to collect - only you can determine that. It has to be a gut instinct kinda thing.

People also tell you to buy the book before buying the coin - and this is certainly true if spending money you don't regard as completely disposable but for a complete beginner there's really nothing like getting your hands on a big pile of cheap coins from as many differnt counteries, eras, metals, rulers, types etc, as you can and just playing with them.

If something "sticks" then it will stick and you're good to go...

have you been to a coin shop or show yet - just to look around? This might be the best way to find a series that really appeals to you.

About 6 years ago I started going through pennies and managed to get most dates from rolls, one of my earliest finds was a 1909 and several other early dates, I now find myself needing just three coins for a full set, yes I had to buy some of the rare dates which I found easily from dealers and on that bid site. I purchased all the proofs back to 1956, I am sure that my little collection cost just under $500. I am now onto Quarters and Nickels which for most part just cost me face value and it gives me great enjoyment finding a new date. There is one big difference from most of you on here and that is most of my finds have been found in rolls of Canadian coins, you see I am based on Vancouver Island. So jamo32 what ever you decide to collect you will have fun doing it, good luck.
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Collect what your wallet will allow. Start with circulated coins and you can always trade up as you find better condition coins. Go to your local coin shop and check through their bargain box also get a friend interested in the hobby and help each other, Good Luck and welcome to this awesome forum.