Goom...I know it's the general recommendation to take your time and know your stuff but, in all honesty, the best learning comes from buying some coins and learning from your mistakes! The best advice is choose your target...eg, if you fancy modern milled, don't get big on W4 and Victoria, buy some g5 and 6! Hammered? Don't start with Richard III, buy some Edward pennies! I think you know what I'm saying...buy some coins, you're going to make mistakes, and you have to, in order to have a better understanding for yourself...you can't teach this in words and pictures! Make some mistakes and get onboard, just don't get burnt!