The Type 12 cancel is the modern version of the old Type 9. The date is in a straight line across the center of the dial and the name of the ship (and other possible data) appears between the double outer circle of the cancel.
The following cancel is classified as Type 12-2(n+) (USS, FPO AE 09534-1662)
The “-2” variation indicates that “FPO” and a ZIP Code appear in the dial in addition to the ship’s name. The “(n+)” variation indicates that the ship’s designation and hull number are given in parenthesis and are separated by a dash. The “USS” variation indicates that the letters USS before the ship’s name do not have the normal periods after them (ie, U.S.S.). “FPO AP 09534-1662” is the FPO address of the ship at the time of the cancel.
The following cancel is classified as Type 12-2c(n+) (USS, FPO AE 09524-2875)
The “-2” variation indicates that “FPO” and a ZIP Code appear in the dial in addition to the ship’s name. The “c” variation indicates that the inner circle is split. The “(n+)” variation indicates that the ship’s designation and hull number are given in parenthesis and are separated by a dash. The “USS” variation indicates that the letters USS before the ship’s name do not have the normal periods after them (ie, U.S.S.). “FPO AE 09524-2875” is the FPO address of the ship at the time of the cancel.
The following cancel is classified as Type 12-1c(n+) (USS)
The “-1” variation indicates that “U.S. Navy” appears in the dial in addition to the ship’s name. The “c” variation indicates that the inner circle is split. The “(n+)” variation indicates that the ship’s designation and hull number are given in parenthesis and are separated by a dash. The “USS” variation indicates that the letters USS before the ship’s name do not have the normal periods after them (ie, U.S.S.).