On July 2, 1979, the USPS issued the $1 Rush stamp, which would lead to one of the most fascinating stamp controversies of the late 20th century. The USPS issued U.S. #1610, the $1 Rush Lamp stamp on July 2, 1979, as part of the Americana series. It was one of four stamps in the set depicting light sources from throughout our country’s history. During the 18th century the rush lamp, consisting of a rush dipped once in wax and held by pincers attached to a stand, provided light for the pioneers. Then, in 1985, the discovery of a new U.S. invert stamp rocked the philatelic world. It was the first major inverted stamp in 66 years, but the details were cloaked in secrecy, hidden in a maze of deception that took two years to unravel. The story began when an auctioneer specializing in U.S. error stamps announced the discovery of 85 inverted 1979 $1 Rush Lamp stamps. The stamps had been discovered by a “business in northern Virginia” and the finder wished to remain anonymous. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing launched an internal investigation and found that there were no indications of impropriety by its employees.