What Canadian icons should be commemorated on our coins?

The Royal Canadian Mint has unveiled coins marking Superman's 75th anniversary, depicting seven different moments in the iconic superhero's history. What other Canadian celebrities or icons should appear on Canadian coins?

Thomas Bink: Well, I think we've already done coins for Terry Fox, Paul Henderson, Alexander Graham Bell and even one for Santa Claus, so this is kind of tricky. How about William Shatner as Captain Kirk? When I grew up, he was a bigger icon than Superman. Or what about Youppi? He was the first mascot to be thrown out of a Major League Baseball game and is one of three mascots in the Baseball Hall of Fame. It might even spur a new name for a coin … "Hey, have you got change for a loonie?" "Sure, here are three Youppis, two dimes and nickel."

Matthew Coutts: I’ve got two words for you: Hadfield and mustache. That’s right, Commander Chris Hadfield, he of NASA and Twitter fame, should be emblazoned on a Canadian coin. Preferably one of the larger ones, so the artist has space to capture Hadfield in action, possibly performing a mind-bending space experiment. If he’s on a dime or nickel, we could save space and just use an image of his mustache. People will get the idea. You know the government would be up for it. They already went though much time and trouble to have Hadfield reveal the new $5 bill from space. He’s already the country’s poster boy for cool. Let’s make it official. Bring Hadfield back. In coin form.

[ Related: Seven new collector coins celebrate Superman's 75th anniversary ]

Andy Radia: I have to admit that I'm a little surprised that Matt didn't suggest some of his curling heroes. I've got a couple of ideas. First of all, I think Wayne Gretzky should get his own coin. Canada loves hockey and the greatest player ever to play is Gretzky. Now here's an idea out of left field: How about minting coins with pictures of the prime minister of the day? So for the next two years — at least — let's mint coins with Stephen Harper's mug. Then for the next prime minister we mint coins with 'prime minister' Trudeau or 'prime minister' Mulcair's image. Wouldn't it be cool — in a couple of decades — to have a mix of coins with our past prime ministers. It would also help future generations learn about Canadian political history. I don't know — just something different and fun yet educational.

Bink: Egads Andy, what a prudish response. Only you could turn the fun of jingling change into a learning experience. And I believe they've already put The Great One on a coin. Instead of politicians, how about musicians? I'd treasure a coin that had Stompin' Tom adorning it, with an old guitar slung over his shoulder. Even his boots would make a decent representation on a coin. Those boots saw a lot of stompin'. Or Gordon Lightfoot. We could call it a "Gordie."

[ Related: Chris Hadfield's $5 polymer note reveal highly scripted ]

Coutts: I personally think the Mint goes over the top with these dumb things, but if they are going to put out these big, colourful coins they might as well go over the top about it. Sure, a Canadian created Superman, and we’re all very proud of that. But that was 75 years ago. Let’s be more proactive about celebrating our pop cultural influence. Introducing the Mint’s Canadian Culture series, featuring Justin Bieber, Robin Thicke (who may not be Canadian, but his dad sure is), Chad Kroeger and Avril Lavigne, and Carly Rae Jepsen.

Radia: Excuse me for bringing some decorum and sophistication to this debate, Tom. I'm not sure, however, I want my tax dollars going to fund coins promoting someone you call "Youppi" or for the 'teen idol of the week' as suggested by my colleague Matt. Superman is bad enough. This isn't play money. Keep the Justin Bieber images on your walls. Politicians deserve respect and promotion too, don't they? And if that's being a prude, then so be it.

Bink: Definitely prudish. And clearly no respect for poor Youppi!

So, what do you think? Have your say in the comments area below.