In more ways than one!

A lot has happened in the approximately 2 and 1/2 months since I've written a journal entry.

The first (and MAJOR) happening is I've really redefined my focus. In case anyone hasn't noticed, I've pulled my Large Cent, Half Eagle, Eisenhower (both proof & Uncirculated), Walking Liberty short set and my Franklin FBL sets off. The main reason for all this is the total of my credit card bills (am I the only one who spends a lot on coins??). I've come to the sad realization there is no way I'm going to complete all of these sets on my income, much less do my Wild West and other signature sets justice. And to my surprise, I've come to love the large cents as much as I do the Franklin Halves. So, I'm back to my basic core of collecting what I really, really like, which will be Morgan Dollars, coins for my Wild West sig set especially, currency and some Mexican and Canadian sets. Also my few yearly mint sets will stay, as I'm tying them into my Wild West set, as I'm toying with the idea of making an exhibit of them in the future.

After the initial shock of what I had done wore off, I'm really quite happy with my choices, I've upgraded my one Large Silver Certificate from an AU to a CU64 EPQ. I've also picked up another piece of obsolete currency which fits into my Railroad currency sig set. I've also picked up a few coins, one of which is as 1876 Seated Liberty quarter, and I'll attach a picture of it to this article.

Now for the real help that I need. I'm planning on sending in 4 proof American Silver Eagles and my 2006 American Buffalo Gold on my grading coupon I haven't used yet. How does everyone else send them to NGC. Should I leave them in the mint boxes, or should I just pull out the coin holder and send it. I'm leaning towards just sending the whole box, but I'm hoping all of you will give me suggestions on which is the best. Thanks in advance for your help.