Kit Coleman Writes History onto Coins

Kathleen “Kit” Coleman paved the way for women in journalism. 125 years ago, the male-dominated newspaper industry expected that any women writers would stick to writing about the female perspective and women’s issues. Kit Coleman captured readers’ attention with her columns reporting as the first accredited woman war correspondent. Coleman also established the Canadian Women’s Press Club in 1904 and became Canada’s first syndicated woman journalist. Coleman fought for better representation in newsrooms and a more equal standing for woman in their daily lives.

Coleman’s pen name “Kit” had her readers guessing both her identity and gender. She covered a wide range of topics in her effort to break free from societal expectations on gender-norms. She first joined the Toronto Daily Mail in 1889 as a women’s editor. She maintained a weekly column featuring a mix of observations, advice, and travel writings. She also went undercover in other cities to write about social issues and the plight of the poor.

In 1898 she was authorized to accompany American troops to Cuba for the Spanish-American War. Her male colleagues and the army commanders were opposed to having a woman in their midst, so she was stranded in Florida, missing the main battles. Eventually she made her way to Cuba and wrote accounts on the aftermath of the war, which landed her international fame.

The 99.99 percent silver coin weighs 23.17g and has a diameter of 36mm. With a proof finish, the reverse design is easy to see in amazing detail, featuring a silhouette of Coleman, pondering her next story. Inside the silhouette is a collage that captures key moments of her life, from the office in Toronto that published her columns from 1889-1911, to a vintage typewriter that represents her impact on journalism.

A 99.99 percent gold coin is also available with yet another stunning design. The reverse depicts Coleman sitting at a desk writing her weekly column. A map covers the background, following her journey from her birthplace in Ireland, to Canada, and then across North America as a war correspondent. With a face value of $100, this 7.8g proof coin has a small mintage of only 1,500, meaning this coin will go quickly.