Yes, newer ones shine pretty well when they're first minted. I'm afraid that's just a regular old five cent coin and won't get you any premium, but if you like it, keep it.
nice example. We were just briefly chatting about Canadian coinage including my favorites the beaver nickel (like yours), sailboat dime and dove cent in the 1965-1998 quarter thread. edit: I should add, I think they made a 12 or 14 sided (instead of round) one but much earlier version.
I have at least one like that. A 1949 with 12 sides. I might have more if I look. Funny thing, I was reading some comments on the thread you mentioned and just for kicks I looked into my box of Canadians and there it was right on top. Then later you mention the 12 sides.
I don't believe the dies are parallel, shows strike weakness and considerable field marks at 12:00. Unusually strong strike at 6:00. The shine come for the fact that Canada chrome plates their dies. It gives them a very smooth hard surface.
Here in Upstate New York near Syracuse there is a huge amount of Canadian nickels & dimes circulating. I remove them & my bank reimburses me at par. Before 1960 nickels & pre 1968 dimes get saved for my collection. Happy to send you a bag
