My first tricks were cards and ropes. Never could get in to coins, although I do use them a little bit now. My first deck of gimmicked cards was a Svengali deck. Still use it today.

Hi,
You said coins or cards? Both. That way I can do Matrix !

Best David Neighbors
The Coinjurer

God forgive my political incorrectness, but my first trick was with a cigarette. A kid came up to me at a party and did two very cool moves making a cig appear, disappear and re-appear! I was hooked as it was pure sleight of hand. Later, I learned that the moves he used were pretty advanced for a kid at a party. He must have had an Uncle who was pretty good. Needless to say, I always had my props in my shirt pocket to perform! Good news, I quit smoking 2 years ago and I do NOT miss the stinky clothes, but I sure miss the tricks!
Chance Wolf

Cards, then coins, then ropes, string, etc. And finally, stage gimmicks (which are the easiest and mostly self working). However at that point my presentation skills were up to par, and to me, that is the most IMPORTANT skill when performing any stage magic!

First started off with sponge balls, then went on to cards and cigarettes, and now coins. I find coin magic to be the most difficult of all. There is so much more to consider, especially when it comes to body language, angles, talking, etc...