Turkey stamps year 1979 – Fauna Wild Animals – Wildlife set

Turkey 1979 – Fauna Wild Animals – Wildlife set New – Mint never hinged

In 1979, Turkey (Türkiye) released a notable stamp set dedicated to Wildlife Conservation. This issue was part of a larger European initiative, as 1979 was designated by the Council of Europe as the “Year of European Wildlife Conservation.”

The “Wildlife Conservation” Set (1979)

The set typically consists of five stamps, often found together in a horizontal or vertical strip.

Philatelic Identification

• Format: The stamps are often collected as a strip of five (Scott #B173a).
• Semi-Postal Status: These are technically “Semi-Postal” stamps (denoted by the ‘B’ in Scott catalogs). This means a portion of the purchase price was likely designated for wildlife conservation funds.
• Colors: The designs feature realistic, multi-colored illustrations of the animals against natural backgrounds.
• Postmarks: Official First Day Covers (FDCs) are dated December 3, 1979, and usually feature a special Ankara cancellation with a mountain goat or gazelle silhouette.

Market Value

• Mint Never Hinged (MNH): A complete set or strip is very affordable, typically retailing for $2.50 – $5.00.
• Used: Used copies are also common, though a full strip with a clean, synchronized cancellation is more desirable for topical collectors.
• First Day Cover (FDC): Usually sells for $10.00 – $16.00, depending on the quality of the envelope and postmarks.

Why it Matters

Many of the species featured, such as the Anatolian Mouflon and the Great Bustard, are iconic symbols of Turkey’s natural heritage. This set is a staple for “Fauna” or “WWF-style” topical collections because it represents Turkey’s commitment to the Council of Europe’s conservation goals.