That's a 98 part cast date and a late model p/n starting with 52.
I doubt we went back to a thin piston so this piston is a fluke - I would just have him measure pistons until he finds a thick one and send it to you.
I've seen the plant send out parts of the later model dimensions but they had the prior part number still on them. But I can't recall ever seeing two part numbers like his - that's a process violation anywhere within the company.