Name of Plaque Mount Ophir Mines
Location of Plaque, Highway / Road No., City and County Mt Ophir Rd, off Highway 49 North, Mariposa County
Explain the Design of the Plaque and Base Black granite plaque mounted on a rock base.
Date of Dedication June 7, 1997
Name of Dedicating Humbug NGH Don Martell , E Clampus Vitus – Matuca Chapter 1849
Exact Wording of Plaque
Mount Ophir Mines
THE MOUNT OPHIR MINE IS ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL AND CONSPICUOUS OF THE MOTHER
LODE MINES IN MARIPOSA COUNTY. IT INCLUDES THE MOUNT OPHIR MINT WHICH WAS THE
FIRST OF SUCH MINTS TO TURN GOLD INTO COINS. THE MINT WAS BUILT BY JOHN MOFFITT,
WHO HAD BEEN APPOINTED TO THE OFFICE OF UNITED STATES ASSAYER FOR CALIFORNIA BY
PRESIDENT TYLER. IT MINTED $50.00 OCTAGONAL COINS (SLUGS) IN 1850 AND 1851 PRIOR
TO THE MINT BEING ESTABLISHED IN SAN FRANCISCO. THE MINE WAS WORKED EXTENSIVELY
WINTIL 1914.
DEDICATED BY
MATUCA CHAPTER 1849
E CLAMPUS VITUS
JUNE 7, 1997 (6002)
CREDO QUIA ABSURDUM