Year

   undated

​

Designer

   Cataldo Papaleo

​

Obverse

   Mission San Buenaventura

​

Reverse

   Wooden Bell

​

Catalog Numbers

   

41.5mm

Bronze

Mission San Buenaventura was the ninth California Mission founded, and the last one founded by Father Serra, in 1782. It was named for Saint Bonaventure, a 13th Century Franciscan Saint, and doctor of the church. The church burned down in 1793, and wasn't completely rebuilt until 1809. It still functions today as a parish of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. San Buenaventura is also the only California Mission to have wooden bells installed. They are on display in the Church Museum.