"focusing" my collection is expensive

I recently posted a journal entry stating my desire to focus my collection. It now has become apparent to me that "focusing my collection" and "downsizing" are clearly not one in the same thing.....in fact I don't even think that they are distant cousins..

A few days ago I removed several sets from the registry, went through a lot of my slabs and decided which sets to focus on and which coins I might liquidate to free up some cash for filling holes in the desired sets.

It turns out that 3 days later I have already spent a little over $600 "focusing my collection" and haven't made any attempt to sell any coins in the "liquidate" pile. I just don't seem to have the whole "pooling my assets" thing down.

To be more truthful, that $600 was what I spent on 3 new hole fillers...I also spent $500 mailing away 27 coins for grading and another $100 renewing my membership......

Speaking of renewing my membership, I have been wondering which coins I would like to submit for my 5 "free" submissions coupon. I have 6 really nice raw coins that I have been meaning to send for ages...I also have 2 obviously undergraded coins that I have been hedging on because the value of a one point increase in grade is only a little over $100 percoin--not worth spending fees on but since they're "free"-I also have 3 Superb ANACS coins that actually fill holes in my Walker short set. I won't replace them because they are great coins, but I'd like to fill the slots in the collection listing and add some uniformity to the slabs. Maybe I'll send those in for crossovers...hhhmmmmm, if I added this up right--6 new coins, 2 crackouts and 3 crossovers...11 coins more for submission and one coupon for 5 free submissions. It looks like my "collection focusing" might cost me a bit more.

On the serious side, I'm not sure how best to sell the coins I've decided to part with. I've used Heritage in the past and it took over 9 months to get the final check from them. Plus they didn't pay me for 2 coins, when I called to inquire they said that they were returned...I asked where they were and eventually I got them back--10 months after I sent them in for auction.Heritage did get good prices for my coins however. Teletrade I have used and they had a quick money return, 3-listing option and buyback option (essentially a reserve feature) Although not as high selling it seemed quick and low-risk. Another option is ebay but buyers can be a hassle. Throw in listing fees, reserve fees, final sale price fees, paypal fees...the return is not worth it although the turnover can be super quick. Since I'm not in need of the money quickly I think I'll skip on ebay..........so I'm still undecided on how to sell my "random" coins

I did receive one of my purchases today. An MS66 1943-D Walker. A fabulous strike (notice those skirt lines--ooolala) and though it doesn't show well in the pics--she has a wonderful, subtle rose/pink and pale blue toning overall. a beautiful lady...