Matt, those shots are pretty good, I reckon - particularly if, like me, you've struggled to get the right conditions. I (kinda) started collecting via current coinage, too - actually, it was through buying bullion coins to 'stack' which led me to the moderns and, after only a couple of months, to predecimal.
That's a damn sight better than my first attempt was, Ian - are you starting with George VI? I reckon there's some good value to be had there.
Paul, your photos are bang on, I reckon. As for your collection, well... *unbridled envy*