I agree, I do also pay extra for FS, but more for set continuity. If the most readily available coins are already First Strike, then I will seek to make sure all of the coins are FS even if that means paying a little extra. But I won't ever pay a lot extra.
On that note, I'd be interested in people's speculation on the value of a pop 1 MS67 2015-D Kennedy Half Firs Strike. PCGS coin #543019. For First Strike: 8 in MS66, 1 in MS67. There are 1 MS68 and 45 MS67 non FS (Price guide $65). https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/2015-d-50c-first-strike/543019/67
The price guide of $300 for the FS MS67 is theoretical because it has never been to market. Is that a realistic value? A $235 premium for a label?
This is a series for which I believe they only started doing FS in 2015.
So here's a question.
2022 P & D Kennedy halves were released mid to end of May meaning the First Strike deadline was mid to end of June.
So how is this ebay listing possible?
It is for a 2022 P First Day of Issue Kennedy Half. The description says that the coins will come from US Mint Unc sets.
Assuming seller knows that PCGS will actually grant FDOI for his submission, how is this possible when the coins were first issued in May but the submitted coins will be issued in July?
Due to the timing of release of the rolls vs unc sets, I had always expected FDOI and FS to have to come from rolls.
@ProofCollection said:
So here's a question.
2022 P & D Kennedy halves were released mid to end of May meaning the First Strike deadline was mid to end of June.
So how is this ebay listing possible?
It is for a 2022 P First Day of Issue Kennedy Half. The description says that the coins will come from US Mint Unc sets.
Assuming seller knows that PCGS will actually grant FDOI for his submission, how is this possible when the coins were first issued in May but the submitted coins will be issued in July?
Due to the timing of release of the rolls vs unc sets, I had always expected FDOI and FS to have to come from rolls.
As I understand it, the two releases have different finishes. IOW, they are different coins.
@ProofCollection said:
So here's a question.
2022 P & D Kennedy halves were released mid to end of May meaning the First Strike deadline was mid to end of June.
So how is this ebay listing possible?
It is for a 2022 P First Day of Issue Kennedy Half. The description says that the coins will come from US Mint Unc sets.
Assuming seller knows that PCGS will actually grant FDOI for his submission, how is this possible when the coins were first issued in May but the submitted coins will be issued in July?
Due to the timing of release of the rolls vs unc sets, I had always expected FDOI and FS to have to come from rolls.
As I understand it, the two releases have different finishes. IOW, they are different coins.
The Mint explains the difference in finishes here.
Pretty sure that's not the case as I have a complete collection. The Mint issued a special burnished (specimen) finish from 2005-2010 and AFAIK is not doing it this year. There's not really a "circulating" finish. There is a normal business strike (designated by PCGS as MS) and a burnished (also referred to as satin finish) or specimen strike (designated by PCGS as SP). All coins are uncirculated until they are handled. Uncirculated coin sets contain all of the normal business strike coins for the year except during special years like 2005-2010.
@ProofCollection said:
Pretty sure that's not the case as I have a complete collection. The Mint issued a special burnished (specimen) finish from 2005-2010 and AFAIK is not doing it this year. There's not really a "circulating" finish. There is a normal business strike (designated by PCGS as MS) and a burnished (also referred to as satin finish) or specimen strike (designated by PCGS as SP). All coins are uncirculated until they are handled. Uncirculated coin sets contain all of the normal business strike coins for the year except during special years like 2005-2010.
This is not my area of expertise; just went off of the wording on the Mint website. If you collect Kennedy Halfs, I am undoubtedly incorrect. Apologies for the bad information.
FWIW, the PCGS First Strike Webpage has separate entries for the MAY-5 release (2-roll set and 200-coin bag) and the JUL-12 release (uncirculated coin set). So, it appears that they consider the releases to be different in some manner (e.g., packaging?).
Hopefully someone else will provide an answer, and we can both learn something about this topic.
@ProofCollection said:
Pretty sure that's not the case as I have a complete collection. The Mint issued a special burnished (specimen) finish from 2005-2010 and AFAIK is not doing it this year. There's not really a "circulating" finish. There is a normal business strike (designated by PCGS as MS) and a burnished (also referred to as satin finish) or specimen strike (designated by PCGS as SP). All coins are uncirculated until they are handled. Uncirculated coin sets contain all of the normal business strike coins for the year except during special years like 2005-2010.
This is not my area of expertise; just went off of the wording on the Mint website. If you collect Kennedy Halfs, I am undoubtedly incorrect. Apologies for the bad information.
FWIW, the PCGS First Strike Webpage has separate entries for the MAY-5 release (2-roll set and 200-coin bag) and the JUL-12 release (uncirculated coin set). So, it appears that they consider the releases to be different in some manner (e.g., packaging?).
Hopefully someone else will provide an answer, and we can both learn something about this topic.
I see that now that you point it out, and they've done that in previous years. I wonder how they justify it? From the website:
The PCGS First Strike program designates coins issued in the first 30* days of the Mint's release. This designation not only adds value to modern coins, but takes modern coin collecting to another level with multiple Mint releases each year.
*In rare cases, coins issued more than 30 days before submission can receive First Strike designation.
Certainly this is not a "rare case," it happens every year with these half dollars. Would love to hear what constitutes a rare case and I think PCGS has a duty to reveal this information since us collectors rely on these designations we have a right to know what exactly they mean.
I'm not a lawyer but this seems like fraud. This year's halves were released on May 5. Packaging them differently doesn't change the release date. I spent a bunch of money trying to obtain nice First Strike examples from halves, but had I known I would have waited for the Unc sets because they condition of coins in rolls is terrible but I can usually get a handful of 67's, but not this year...
Here's a thought, why not be transparent and label them second release?
I felt so badly about posting bad information that I called PCGS and inquired about this issue.
Per your original question, I asked the PCGS rep how they distinguished between the Kennedy Halfs released on MAY-5 and JUL-12 for First Strike (e.g., different PCGS coin numbers, uncirculated set designation on the label, etc.).
The PCGS rep that I spoke with could not answer the question in real-time. She promised an e-mail response within 24 hours.
'When/If' she provides a good answer, I will share it here.
I felt so badly about posting bad information that I called PCGS and inquired about this issue.
Per your original question, I asked the PCGS rep how they distinguished between the Kennedy Halfs released on MAY-5 and JUL-12 for First Strike (e.g., different PCGS coin numbers, uncirculated set designation on the label, etc.).
The PCGS rep that I spoke with could not answer the question in real-time. She promised an e-mail response within 24 hours.
'When/If' she provides a good answer, I will share it here.
We don't have to wait for the reply, we can look to 2021 for the answer as it is basically the same.
Deadlines:
Pop Report:
The only difference in the coin is PACKAGING.
While PCGS has always been willing to add a note about which set a coin came from, First Strike was never meant to indicate the first 30 days available in a different package offering or different sales vehicle.
If you as a collector buy a PCGS 2021-P 50c MS Kennedy Half FIRST STRIKE, you have no idea if it was minted before or after June 10, 2021. This completely defeats the purpose of the FS designation.
Edited to add:
Think how crazy this can get. Some coins are offered in 4 or more packages... Birthday sets. 1st day coin covers. bags and rolls, unc coins sets.... geesh.
FWIW, I agree with your point. IMHO, it would be reasonable to differentiate between the two releases.
With respect to your comment about FS being used to signify initial availability in different packaging, I can think of one recent example 'off the top of my head' (i.e., the 2021 1/10 oz. Proof AGE coins in 21XK).
The Type 1 was released individually on MAR-11 (i.e., 21EE; 816203),
and the Type 2 was released individually on JUL-29 (i.e., 21EEN; 887366).
The coins with the "designer set" designation, released AUG-5, are 887733 and 887730, respectively.
Note - the MAR-11 and JUL-29 individual coin releases were simultaneously offered as part of a four-coin set (i.e., 21EF and 21EFN, respectively).
I felt so badly about posting bad information that I called PCGS and inquired about this issue.
Per your original question, I asked the PCGS rep how they distinguished between the Kennedy Halfs released on MAY-5 and JUL-12 for First Strike (e.g., different PCGS coin numbers, uncirculated set designation on the label, etc.).
The PCGS rep that I spoke with could not answer the question in real-time. She promised an e-mail response within 24 hours.
'When/If' she provides a good answer, I will share it here.
Did you ever get a response? I also inquired by email about the First Strike Policies and Procedures which are mentioned in their FAQ but I cannot locate anywhere. Collectors should demand and PCGS (you'd think) would voluntarily provide a detailed First Strike (and FDOI) policy laying out specifically what it means and what it doesn't mean. the first strike page is lacking very much in details, and collectors deserve to know exactly what the designations means and what they are paying for. I am perplexed that there is not much info about it beyond the sparse info at pcgs.com/firststrike.
No, the rep that promised to call me back never did.
I got tired of waiting, so I called them again on 7/18/22. Rep #2 told me that they would issue a unique coin # for the uncirculated set. It did not exist yet, because they had not yet received any in for grading yet.
Based on your 'experience/research', I believe that the info from rep #2 might be suspect.
I plan to keep trying as time permits, until I receive a plausible response (i.e., one that 'matches' with prior years). If nothing else, I might gain some insight as to why they do not distinguish between the two releases.
I wholeheartedly agree about the FS webpage; it is an opportunity for improvement. Take, for example, the "TWO Ways to Obtain the First Strike Designation". What about 'Mint Direct Premier' via APMEX? This partnership with PCGS began back in 2020, but STILL has not been added as a third way to obtain the FS designation.
No, the rep that promised to call me back never did.
I got tired of waiting, so I called them again on 7/18/22. Rep #2 told me that they would issue a unique coin # for the uncirculated set. It did not exist yet, because they had not yet received any in for grading yet.
Based on your 'experience/research', I believe that the info from rep #2 might be suspect.
I plan to keep trying as time permits, until I receive a plausible response (i.e., one that 'matches' with prior years). If nothing else, I might gain some insight as to why they do not distinguish between the two releases.
I wholeheartedly agree about the FS webpage; it is an opportunity for improvement. Take, for example, the "TWO Ways to Obtain the First Strike Designation". What about 'Mint Direct Premier' via APMEX? This partnership with PCGS began back in 2020, but STILL has not been added as a third way to obtain the FS designation.
Yep. And no word about FDOI or I've even seen PCGS coins with "Early Releases" on them. WTF does that mean? For PCGS to make these designations and not bother to provide a legal description to define the terms is IMO a bit contemptuous as it seems they don't think they owe the coin collecting community any explanations.
And while I'm at it, why not a PCGS label reference? A master display of all historically issued PCGS labels that collectors can reference?
I have an exchange going with PCGs customer service also, but so far they just point to the FS webpage and the FAQ but I'm pushing further.
As I understand it, "Early Release" are 'ABPP' coins. Note - I agree that this term should be readily defined on the PCGS website.
While not as detailed as some others, the "Museum of Coin Holders" is a decent label reference.
Good luck with your efforts.
You're right. I think bulk buyers can get their coins before the public. So technically First Strike is (supposedly) the first 30 days of public release... Again, another detail that should be explained on the PCGS site somewhere.
For 2022, it appears that PCGS is distinguishing between the two Kennedy half dollar releases via coin number. Note - I assume that you would have to submit in sealed Mint packaging to receive the 'UNC Set' coin numbers.
FWIW, I called PCGS again this morning, and asked how they distinguished between the 2021 Kennedy half dollar releases (i.e., 'bag/roll' on MAY-11 vs. 'UNC Set' on SEP-28). The rep could not provide an answer in real-time, but promised a follow-up contact. If he does provide an answer, I will post it in this thread.
For 2022, it appears that PCGS is distinguishing between the two Kennedy half dollar releases via coin number. Note - I assume that you would have to submit in sealed Mint packaging to receive the 'UNC Set' coin numbers.
FWIW, I called PCGS again this morning, and asked how they distinguished between the 2021 Kennedy half dollar releases (i.e., 'bag/roll' on MAY-11 vs. 'UNC Set' on SEP-28). The rep could not provide an answer in real-time, but promised a follow-up contact. If he does provide an answer, I will post it in this thread.
Thanks. This could be a result of my recent questions with a rep also. I am also waiting on a reply. There's another example in the 2022 silver and clad proof quarters because the mint releases the proof quarter sets well before they release the annual proof set which includes the quarters.
Edited to add: This is the first year they have distinguished the Unc set release (IIRC). I know they don't want to lose that first strike money, but it really does just eliminate any perceived first strike value when you consider that the designation was supposed to indicate coins that were minted earlier which implied a better quality. Now you can't even imply that the FS coins are of a better quality or when they were minted.
Agree with @Goldminers opinion. I like the First Strikes which usually dont carry that much of a premium over the non-First labels. In my opinion, Interestingly, the PCGS price guide does show them as a different sub-species, Its the age old question of whether to buy the coin or buy the holder. I like the first strikes with the American Flag. Personal Preferences!
“When you don't know what you're talking about, it's hard to know when you're finished.” - Tommy Smothers
Edited to Add:
Per the screenshot above, PCGS started to designate coins as FS in 2004.
However, once they started, they began to assign the designation to eligible coins minted prior to 2004.
For example, the 1986 ASE (i.e., coin #601594).
First Strike label is given to coins submitted to PCGS and received within the first 30 days of issue
The FDOI Label is ONLY available thru Bulk Submissions shipped from the US Mint directly to PCGS from purchase agreements by PCGS Dealers with the US Mint
No individual can submit a coin to PCGS and get it back with the FDOI Label
The FDOI Label is a special designation that PCGS has reserved for PCGS Dealers
A coin that is purchased from the US Mint on first day of issue can be submitted by an individual - but if it is rec'd within the first 30 days of release it will show First Day Of Issue and a First Strike Label
(because the coin was submitted within the timeframe but did not get submitted by a PCGS Dealer)
@JonJet said:
Just to add some clarity to this thread...
First Strike label is given to coins submitted to PCGS and received within the first 30 days of issue
The FDOI Label is ONLY available thru Bulk Submissions shipped from the US Mint directly to PCGS from purchase agreements by PCGS Dealers with the US Mint
No individual can submit a coin to PCGS and get it back with the FDOI Label
The FDOI Label is a special designation that PCGS has reserved for PCGS Dealers
A coin that is purchased from the US Mint on first day of issue can be submitted by an individual - but if it is rec'd within the first 30 days of release it will show First Day Of Issue and a First Strike Label
(because the coin was submitted within the timeframe but did not get submitted by a PCGS Dealer)
Good info on the FDOI program. Thanks for sharing it.
Adding even more clarity regarding FS ...
Mailing coins to PCGS within the first 30 days of issue is not the only way to obtain the FS designation.
Coins are also eligible for the FS designation if submitted in a sealed box from the Mint with a 'postmark/packing slip' date prior to the cutoff date. (I assume this is how coins 'minted/released' prior to the start of the program in 2004 qualified for the designation.)
Reference: https://www.pcgs.com/firststrike
Additionally, there is the "APMEX Mint Direct Premier" option that started in 2020. These sealed packages are eligible for the FS designation after the cutoff date.
Reference: https://www.apmex.com/mintdirect-pcgs
Note - For "individual" submitters, the FS designation no longer automatically includes the "First Strike Flag Label". It is now a no charge "special label" that you have to specifically request.
Reference: https://www.pcgs.com/labels/FirstStrike
Now there is Early Issue! Although I see that for this coin, the label says Early Issue but the coin number just comes up as First Strike. PCGS is out of control.
@ProofCollection said: Now there is Early Issue! Although I see that for this coin, the label says Early Issue but the coin number just comes up as First Strike. PCGS is out of control.
Comments
I agree, I do also pay extra for FS, but more for set continuity. If the most readily available coins are already First Strike, then I will seek to make sure all of the coins are FS even if that means paying a little extra. But I won't ever pay a lot extra.
On that note, I'd be interested in people's speculation on the value of a pop 1 MS67 2015-D Kennedy Half Firs Strike. PCGS coin #543019. For First Strike: 8 in MS66, 1 in MS67. There are 1 MS68 and 45 MS67 non FS (Price guide $65). https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/2015-d-50c-first-strike/543019/67
The price guide of $300 for the FS MS67 is theoretical because it has never been to market. Is that a realistic value? A $235 premium for a label?
This is a series for which I believe they only started doing FS in 2015.
http://ProofCollection.Net
So here's a question.
2022 P & D Kennedy halves were released mid to end of May meaning the First Strike deadline was mid to end of June.
So how is this ebay listing possible?
It is for a 2022 P First Day of Issue Kennedy Half. The description says that the coins will come from US Mint Unc sets.
Assuming seller knows that PCGS will actually grant FDOI for his submission, how is this possible when the coins were first issued in May but the submitted coins will be issued in July?
Due to the timing of release of the rolls vs unc sets, I had always expected FDOI and FS to have to come from rolls.
http://ProofCollection.Net
As I understand it, the two releases have different finishes. IOW, they are different coins.
The MAY-5 release has a "circulating" finish.
Meanwhile, the JUL-12 release has an "uncirculated" finish.
The Mint explains the difference in finishes here.
NOTE - The information presented above is INCORRECT. Please see the post directly below for clarification.
Pretty sure that's not the case as I have a complete collection. The Mint issued a special burnished (specimen) finish from 2005-2010 and AFAIK is not doing it this year. There's not really a "circulating" finish. There is a normal business strike (designated by PCGS as MS) and a burnished (also referred to as satin finish) or specimen strike (designated by PCGS as SP). All coins are uncirculated until they are handled. Uncirculated coin sets contain all of the normal business strike coins for the year except during special years like 2005-2010.
http://ProofCollection.Net
This is not my area of expertise; just went off of the wording on the Mint website. If you collect Kennedy Halfs, I am undoubtedly incorrect. Apologies for the bad information.
FWIW, the PCGS First Strike Webpage has separate entries for the MAY-5 release (2-roll set and 200-coin bag) and the JUL-12 release (uncirculated coin set). So, it appears that they consider the releases to be different in some manner (e.g., packaging?).
Hopefully someone else will provide an answer, and we can both learn something about this topic.
I see that now that you point it out, and they've done that in previous years. I wonder how they justify it? From the website:
Certainly this is not a "rare case," it happens every year with these half dollars. Would love to hear what constitutes a rare case and I think PCGS has a duty to reveal this information since us collectors rely on these designations we have a right to know what exactly they mean.
I'm not a lawyer but this seems like fraud. This year's halves were released on May 5. Packaging them differently doesn't change the release date. I spent a bunch of money trying to obtain nice First Strike examples from halves, but had I known I would have waited for the Unc sets because they condition of coins in rolls is terrible but I can usually get a handful of 67's, but not this year...
Here's a thought, why not be transparent and label them second release?
http://ProofCollection.Net
@ProofCollection
I felt so badly about posting bad information that I called PCGS and inquired about this issue.
Per your original question, I asked the PCGS rep how they distinguished between the Kennedy Halfs released on MAY-5 and JUL-12 for First Strike (e.g., different PCGS coin numbers, uncirculated set designation on the label, etc.).
The PCGS rep that I spoke with could not answer the question in real-time. She promised an e-mail response within 24 hours.
'When/If' she provides a good answer, I will share it here.
We don't have to wait for the reply, we can look to 2021 for the answer as it is basically the same.
Deadlines:
Pop Report:
The only difference in the coin is PACKAGING.
While PCGS has always been willing to add a note about which set a coin came from, First Strike was never meant to indicate the first 30 days available in a different package offering or different sales vehicle.
If you as a collector buy a PCGS 2021-P 50c MS Kennedy Half FIRST STRIKE, you have no idea if it was minted before or after June 10, 2021. This completely defeats the purpose of the FS designation.
Edited to add:
Think how crazy this can get. Some coins are offered in 4 or more packages... Birthday sets. 1st day coin covers. bags and rolls, unc coins sets.... geesh.
http://ProofCollection.Net
@ProofCollection
Excellent research. Thanks for sharing it.
FWIW, I agree with your point. IMHO, it would be reasonable to differentiate between the two releases.
With respect to your comment about FS being used to signify initial availability in different packaging, I can think of one recent example 'off the top of my head' (i.e., the 2021 1/10 oz. Proof AGE coins in 21XK).
The Type 1 was released individually on MAR-11 (i.e., 21EE; 816203),
and the Type 2 was released individually on JUL-29 (i.e., 21EEN; 887366).
The coins with the "designer set" designation, released AUG-5, are 887733 and 887730, respectively.
Note - the MAR-11 and JUL-29 individual coin releases were simultaneously offered as part of a four-coin set (i.e., 21EF and 21EFN, respectively).
Did you ever get a response? I also inquired by email about the First Strike Policies and Procedures which are mentioned in their FAQ but I cannot locate anywhere. Collectors should demand and PCGS (you'd think) would voluntarily provide a detailed First Strike (and FDOI) policy laying out specifically what it means and what it doesn't mean. the first strike page is lacking very much in details, and collectors deserve to know exactly what the designations means and what they are paying for. I am perplexed that there is not much info about it beyond the sparse info at pcgs.com/firststrike.
http://ProofCollection.Net
@ProofCollection
No, the rep that promised to call me back never did.
I got tired of waiting, so I called them again on 7/18/22. Rep #2 told me that they would issue a unique coin # for the uncirculated set. It did not exist yet, because they had not yet received any in for grading yet.
Based on your 'experience/research', I believe that the info from rep #2 might be suspect.
I plan to keep trying as time permits, until I receive a plausible response (i.e., one that 'matches' with prior years). If nothing else, I might gain some insight as to why they do not distinguish between the two releases.
I wholeheartedly agree about the FS webpage; it is an opportunity for improvement. Take, for example, the "TWO Ways to Obtain the First Strike Designation". What about 'Mint Direct Premier' via APMEX? This partnership with PCGS began back in 2020, but STILL has not been added as a third way to obtain the FS designation.
Yep. And no word about FDOI or I've even seen PCGS coins with "Early Releases" on them. WTF does that mean? For PCGS to make these designations and not bother to provide a legal description to define the terms is IMO a bit contemptuous as it seems they don't think they owe the coin collecting community any explanations.
And while I'm at it, why not a PCGS label reference? A master display of all historically issued PCGS labels that collectors can reference?
I have an exchange going with PCGs customer service also, but so far they just point to the FS webpage and the FAQ but I'm pushing further.
http://ProofCollection.Net
@ProofCollection
As I understand it, "Early Release" are 'ABPP' coins.
Note - I agree that this term should be readily defined on the PCGS website.
While not as detailed as some others, the "Museum of Coin Holders" is a decent label reference.
Good luck with your efforts.
You're right. I think bulk buyers can get their coins before the public. So technically First Strike is (supposedly) the first 30 days of public release... Again, another detail that should be explained on the PCGS site somewhere.
http://ProofCollection.Net
@ProofCollection
Just noticed the following on the PCGS coin number lookup webpage ....
Source: https://www.pcgs.com/pcgsnolookup/kennedy-half-dollar-1964-date/125
For 2022, it appears that PCGS is distinguishing between the two Kennedy half dollar releases via coin number.
Note - I assume that you would have to submit in sealed Mint packaging to receive the 'UNC Set' coin numbers.
FWIW, I called PCGS again this morning, and asked how they distinguished between the 2021 Kennedy half dollar releases (i.e., 'bag/roll' on MAY-11 vs. 'UNC Set' on SEP-28). The rep could not provide an answer in real-time, but promised a follow-up contact. If he does provide an answer, I will post it in this thread.
Thanks. This could be a result of my recent questions with a rep also. I am also waiting on a reply. There's another example in the 2022 silver and clad proof quarters because the mint releases the proof quarter sets well before they release the annual proof set which includes the quarters.
Edited to add: This is the first year they have distinguished the Unc set release (IIRC). I know they don't want to lose that first strike money, but it really does just eliminate any perceived first strike value when you consider that the designation was supposed to indicate coins that were minted earlier which implied a better quality. Now you can't even imply that the FS coins are of a better quality or when they were minted.
http://ProofCollection.Net
Agree with @Goldminers opinion. I like the First Strikes which usually dont carry that much of a premium over the non-First labels. In my opinion, Interestingly, the PCGS price guide does show them as a different sub-species, Its the age old question of whether to buy the coin or buy the holder. I like the first strikes with the American Flag. Personal Preferences!
Check out this thread...
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1079753/first-strike-and-first-day-of-issue-extra-submission-opportunities/p1?new=1
http://ProofCollection.Net
Here's an interesting one. First Strike, but yet also FDOI.
http://ProofCollection.Net
Reading the label...it means the coin came from a Half Dollar Set purchased from the US Mint and sold on the day of issue
The buyer then sent the coin(s) to be graded and that 50C came back with FS Label
My 1957-2022 Proof Set Collection Has Been Sold
Perhaps. Wish it had a coin number! I wonder if the number is on the back? I just bought this one, I guess I'll know in a few days.
http://ProofCollection.Net
I recently encountered something similar.
Was told by PCGS that printing the FDOI designation on a FS label, as well as the "Black Shield", was a design requested by a bulk submitter.
When you look up the cert number, it should be a FDOI coin. Further, I believe that it will be coin #699633.
It is!
http://ProofCollection.Net
Just curious, when did the FDOI and FS start up at PCGS. I have nothing earlier than 2005.
The FS answer follows. Hopefully someone else chimes in about FDOI.
Source: https://www.pcgs.com/lingo/f
Edited to Add:
Per the screenshot above, PCGS started to designate coins as FS in 2004.
However, once they started, they began to assign the designation to eligible coins minted prior to 2004.
For example, the 1986 ASE (i.e., coin #601594).
Just to add some clarity to this thread...
First Strike label is given to coins submitted to PCGS and received within the first 30 days of issue
The FDOI Label is ONLY available thru Bulk Submissions shipped from the US Mint directly to PCGS from purchase agreements by PCGS Dealers with the US Mint
No individual can submit a coin to PCGS and get it back with the FDOI Label
The FDOI Label is a special designation that PCGS has reserved for PCGS Dealers
A coin that is purchased from the US Mint on first day of issue can be submitted by an individual - but if it is rec'd within the first 30 days of release it will show First Day Of Issue and a First Strike Label
(because the coin was submitted within the timeframe but did not get submitted by a PCGS Dealer)
My 1957-2022 Proof Set Collection Has Been Sold
Good info on the FDOI program. Thanks for sharing it.
Adding even more clarity regarding FS ...
Mailing coins to PCGS within the first 30 days of issue is not the only way to obtain the FS designation.
Coins are also eligible for the FS designation if submitted in a sealed box from the Mint with a 'postmark/packing slip' date prior to the cutoff date. (I assume this is how coins 'minted/released' prior to the start of the program in 2004 qualified for the designation.)
Reference: https://www.pcgs.com/firststrike
Additionally, there is the "APMEX Mint Direct Premier" option that started in 2020. These sealed packages are eligible for the FS designation after the cutoff date.
Reference: https://www.apmex.com/mintdirect-pcgs
Note - For "individual" submitters, the FS designation no longer automatically includes the "First Strike Flag Label". It is now a no charge "special label" that you have to specifically request.
Reference: https://www.pcgs.com/labels/FirstStrike
Is it possible to get the (Gold Shield) with the First Strike flag label?
Yes
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
Now there is Early Issue! Although I see that for this coin, the label says Early Issue but the coin number just comes up as First Strike. PCGS is out of control.
http://ProofCollection.Net
An old thread about "early issue".