Description

Theme

In a time when women journalists were limited to writing about the female perspective and women’s issues, Kathleen “Kit” Blake Coleman (1856-1915) helped pave the way for better representation in newsrooms across Canada. Known to her many readers as “Kit,” the intrepid reporter made history 125 years ago by becoming North America’s first accredited woman war correspondent. She helped establish the Canadian Women’s Press Club in 1904 and served as its first president, and later became the first syndicated woman columnist in Canada.

“Kit” Coleman is honoured on the 2023 Proof Dollar, and you’ll find an enhanced version of it in this seven-piece set. Each coin—one of every denomination, even 50 cents—has been meticulously crafted in 99.99% pure silver. But the unmistakable star of the set is “Kit” Coleman herself, whose portrait is part of the gold-plated collage on your coin’s reverse.

Design

Designed by Canadian artist Pandora Young, the Proof Dollar’s reverse features a silhouette of journalist Kathleen “Kit” Blake Coleman (1856-1915) holding an open notebook and pen. Within that silhouette are various elements that represent her life and career (from top to bottom): The Mail and Empire building in Toronto, Ont.; SS Circassian, the passenger ship that brought the Irish-born writer to Canada in 1884; a partial map of the Atlantic Ocean, to represent Coleman’s travels and dispatches; a view of Coleman writing at her desk; and a vintage typewriter that symbolizes her legacy and impact on Canadian journalism. The obverse features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. The obverse also bears a special marking that includes four pearls symbolizing the four effigies that have graced Canadian coins and the double date of her reign.

Special features

• A journalism pioneer. One of Canada’s most successful early presswomen and a woman of many firsts, journalist Kathleen “Kit” Blake Coleman is honoured on Canada’s Proof Dollar in 2023, which marks the 125^ᵗʰ anniversary of her becoming North America’s first accredited woman war correspondent.
• Your proof dollar for 2023. Crafted in 99.99% pure silver, the annual Fine Silver Proof Dollar is our flagship collector coin and one of the year’s most anticipated collectibles.
• Limited supply. Only 20,000 sets available worldwide.
• Includes serialized certificate. The Royal Canadian Mint certifies all of its collector coins.
• No GST/HST.

Product Specifications