MineLab E-Trac, MineLab Safari, MineLab Explorer XS,
White's 5000 D, White's 6DB, White's 5000 D GEB
Sunray X-1 for the ML's, Garrett PP for the White's and a Backhoe
I have to agree with l.cutler. I believe this is the result of glue or similar adhesive.
The apperance of this cent is clearly not a lamination problem of any known kind. Copper plated zinc cents do not have lamination problems. Any separation would be a plating issue. Clearly not a plating issue that I have ever seen.
Have you tried acetone yet? Acetone will cause most adhesives and glues to separate from most metals, including copper and zinc. If there is no adhesive, acetone will not attack copper or zinc.
If you look close I have it under a meg-glass in the one pic. I swear on everything it's not glue its in the casting / die look close.. And yes I did clean it w acetone my mom does nails lol
The only thing I can think of at this point is a very serious plating separation, although I have never seen one like yours. Also, how long did you let the cent soak in the acetone?
You asked, and you got answers. If you don't like the answers then spend your money and send it to one of the professional graders but I suspect the verdict will be the same.