1964-P Kennedy DDO FS-102: Meaning of "FS"

[Pareidoliac]

I have many 1964 Kennedy half dollars, 11 in mint sets. In one mint set, I discovered what may be the "DDO FS-102" identified in the PCGS Price Guide (must click the 1964 date then the varieties "drop down" into view. The first to drop down is described as "DDO FS-102". The FS apparently means "First Strike" meaning a TPG believed it obtained a batch of coins from the mint soon after mintage and believed that it was one of the first in this date to be minted/released. Please, anyone, correct me if this is not accurate. It is described in some quarters as a marketing device.

So, my first question is, "What does 'FS' mean" if not what is stated above?

Second, in a 1964 mint set I own, I discovered what I believe is a double die variety as shown in the PCGS photo for the "DDO FS-102". See photo. The PCGS auction prices range from $90 to $535 for MS-65/66. So, if in fact this is that particular doubled die variety, it may be worth substantially more than the regular non-DDO coin. That's exciting for a coin variety I didn't know I had. However, there is no way to know for sure whether my 1964 is a "first strike" coin, but then does anyone really know if a coin is a "first strike" for sure?

My second question: If my 1964 Kennedy has the same doubled die in the motto as the PCGS coin in the Price Guide, and if I submitted it a TPG firm for authenticity and grading, would it be described as a "FS" on the holder? Just curious.

[vamnuke]

Cherrypicker's Guide variety numbering system from the original authors Bill Fivaz & J.T. Stanton (FS)

[lured_in_again]

I was late to the reply, but was going to say something very similar.... Kind of like VAM is to Van Allen - Mallis.

[RogerRock]

There are 24 different 1964 Kennedy DDO varieties listed in"The Kennedy Half Dollar Book" by James Wiles who is CONECA's variety attributor. Other variety attributors such as Fivaz - Stanton and John Wexler list DDO varieties with their own respective numbering systems.

Proper attribution is key before jumping toward PCGS. Suggest MessyDesk or ANACS (JR).

[messydesk]

Check against the 1964 50c DDOs on VarietyVista, first. Many are proofs, but FS-102, as well as others, are shown there in better detail. PCGS and NGC will label coins that have FS numbers. ANACS and I will additionally do the rest of the DDOs shown here.

[Pareidoliac]

I really can't thank you all enough. This hobby is deeper and richer than I think most casual collectors ever imagine, thanks to the work of folks like "VA", "M", "F", "S" and others (like many here at Vamworld) who have spent countless hours looking through loops to expand our knowledge of coins. I was so misinformed it's embarrassing, and I hope this post helps collectors who need to know that they may be sitting on fascinating and sometimes valuable varieties. I recently registered at Variety Vista on the advice of Messydesk; it's a source that opens up more windows to awesome varieties that are frequently sitting right under our numismatic noses. And taking advantage of the expertise at Variety Slabbing Service is a good way to avoid the high cost of a TPG firm submission prematurely.