Newbie Needs Help Starting Collection

I started (again) collecting about 4 years ago. I went with CRH Jeffersons. That was fun and something I did with my son. Never found those key dates, though. I've got a few folders exactly like the Whitman below. By the way, this is the real way to determine a key date IMO. (1950 P) really hard to find, too.

Then I bought a few UNC Jeffersons and I really loved the glow; some just really 'pop'. I started assembling an UNC set- pictured here.

Handling the circulated coins gave me a real feel for lower grades, especially wear patterns. Buying the UNCs gave me initial experience (at modest cost) with the 60 range grades and helped me learn about aspects such as strike and luster (as well as carbon-spotting and cleaning)- all ongoing lessons. Of course, all of these things are different for all series (and even coins within a series), but the Jeffs are a cost effective introduction. When you make a mistake (like I did) it doesn't hurt the pocket as much. I am now working on an UNC date set of Buffaloes. Again, I started with circulated (lower) grades before doing this. However, once I saw an UNC example, I was hooked. Nickels, especially the Buffs and Jeffs can really shine (IMO)!

Also be careful of pictures if buying online. The 38 pictured here is awesome in hand. I just don't photograph coins well and I also think they are challenging to capture in a Dansco folder. Unfortunately, you'll have the opposite problem with many purchased online.

Like others said, find what you like. You can always change!

Collecting from roll hunting can be fun... but in most cases you are
going to put together sets that will be worth face value.

With roll hunting there is a good chance you might find some coins
that will be worth more than face.

Mostly searching half dollar, quarter or dime roll boxes.
But those boxes will cost $250 to $500 per box.
Of course you dump the coins you don't keep.

With nickel boxes, after some work .. and searching many boxes
you might be able to get a full set .. or most of a full set.
A full set of Jefferson nickels will have 11 War Nickels (silver)
and a few key/semi key dates. Those Jefferson's would be
worth more than face ... but not a lot.

Searching cents ... you will find some wheat's, worth 2 to 5 cents each.
Good chance a Memorial set could be completed.

If I was going to banks I would be asking for customer wrapped rolls.
Half dollars, quarter and dimes ... in hopes of finding silver.
Also ask for Ike dollars ...trying to get BU coins.
Ike's are a very nice set to put together, and seemed to becoming
more collectable.

Someone asked about good price for Wheat cents, I think the average
price is around 5 cents each.

If I was making suggestions to a new collector
Do a U.S. Type set , like Dansco 7070
Many coins would be pretty easy to find.
The harder coins save up ..say $50 and look for a good coin
for the empty holes.

You might want to have a set or two to work on while
your taking years to do your type set.
Look at Walking Liberty or Fanklin halves.

If your near a good local coin shop, going through their 90%
silver coins ... stack as many as you can.

If you end up really liking this hobby, you will figure out
other coins you like .. as your ability to buy more expensive coins
grows .. so will your collection.

Not sure anthing about United States coins but have some of them right with me and keep it up on collecting them for the hobbies fun