Hey @riverflows, I think I first got the bug when my dad came back from an overseas work trip nd brought back some foreign coins. As a young boy, these different coins were amazing to me.
Now my appreciation for coins, is first and foremost based on the underlying metal, i.e. platinum, gold or silver... as I know that they will always have a store of value. Then I focus on the coin design, rarity and collectability of the coin. At least if I get it wrong and buy a coin that turns out not to be collectable, then at least I know the precious metal it is made from has a value. :-)