Mike Caldwell started with Brass tokens that were in fact car wash tokens. This kept the price down and is a good start point when learning about the processes of making coin designs.
Precious metal coins will always be popular but they come wit their own quirks, needs and issues and can this can be a very steep part of the learning curve as your progress. Costs, Dies, Security, Distribution etc.
Take your time, learn and listen and read. bigtimespaghetti made a book about coin making
Good luck
Viz