So this article has no bearing on the "unicorn" penny? https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/1992-lincoln-penny-value-3970348
Welcome to CT Susan!! That article above is describing the 1992 CAM error not a silver or steel cent. These are very valuable coins. A little more info on these can be found here. http://lincolncentresource.com/wideams.html I don't believe yours is. To be sure we would need a much clearer photo of the reverse of your coin. How much does the coin weigh?
I worked in the magnetic tape making industry for 20+ years and still feel that I don't have a REALLY good understanding of magnetism.
I don't think it's steel either. Could it be silver or nickel? It definitely is not copper, and not dipped, scratched, worn off, or any other face changing technique. The edges are silver as well, no copper clad, nothing. I guess I am at a wash here. Not getting any more info than what I already know. I was thinking it could have been a special mint for presentation or something. It almost looks like the size of a nickel. Thanks anyways.
You may have just answered the riddle. You can place a cent between a piece of leather and hit it with a hammer. It does grow in size and keeps the design intact. What you lose though is the coating. There is a term for these but it escapes me now.
No disrespect intended but you got the answer you just don't want to accept it and no I'm not being sarcastic I'm just being truthful. JMO Dave
OK, sorry I thought the answer had been given. There is a chemistry experiment where the students coat cents with zinc and either shine them up for "silver" cents or then heat them to give a thin brass coat for a "gold" cent. This is probably what you have. We have seen many of them here. Additionally some people coat cents with various metals...don't ask me why or how. Anything more than this, you would really have to have someone in a coin shop look at it. Good luck.
As long as you came to the conclusion that it was not done at the mint. One of many aftermarket companies could have done anything to it to sell and make money. The deviations are limitless.