Grading the coin is the most important part matt as there can be a big difference in price . The grading book is the best way forward and just look at some cheap ones you may have to get a feel for grades. This site has loads of posts just on grading alone although it is an opinion and not really an exact science, will help you just reading through them I would not be in a rush to spend much money and if you can put any pictures up there are a lot of people on here who will help you on the grade and therefore a reasonable price to pay. The midlands that was mentioned is a coin fair and would of given you the chance to meet dealers and look at a wider range of coins in hand. I would not go to any auctions to buy anything until you decide what you want to focus on. Anyway we are all different so i am happy to be told i am wrong. Be lucky. Pete.