Looks like environmental toining/damage from being in the ground.Can you take better pictures of both sides?
It did look super old before I pulled it out of cleaning (vinegar salt comb.) Then that's when that showed whatever it is
Beating the horse, you need better pictures. It's worth waiting until you can get better pictures to ask for an answer.
I know if I could find that other scent... I would have two cents. Then maybe it would all make sense. No... know that it wouldn't. Lol
BTW, more people will respond if you use an intelligent title not ??? 1929 Wheat Cent - damaged??? would be better
Nathan, using vinegar in any combination is not a good idea. It is an acid and will remove the surface layers rendering the coin damaged...use distilled water, soak and pat dry. Acetone soaks are next, used with varying strengths and times. Never rub or scrub a coin...imo...Spark
Absolutely vinegar and salt will result in this sort of strange, ugly “toning” it’s almost never worth it to clean with vinegar and salt unless it’s an encrusted ancient coin