1984 Lincoln Cent

They're not really being pessimistic, just telling you facts, and trying to help you not waste your money.

You see those raised spots on the obverse? that's the zinc underneath the copper rotting, that combined with the fact that there's no lustre whatsoever on this coin, clearly shows that it's been dug up.

I'm not going to try and stop you from sending it in, but it really is just going to be a waste of money for it to come back in a bodyback because of the exact reasons that have been stated here.

I suggest sending it in to ANACS, they're cheaper and arguably better at slabbing variety and error coins.

EDIT: here, if you look at some of our own users metal detecting finds, you'll see that a lot of them have this same grayed out look as your coin, some have some extra gunk on them because they haven't been circulated after being dug up like yours has. You'll also notice that a lot of the dimes have a copper look, which are also commonly mistaken as missing their nickel layer.:

https://goccf.com/t/187920

https://goccf.com/t/179492

https://goccf.com/t/179005

https://goccf.com/t/179385

https://goccf.com/t/172828

https://goccf.com/t/175063

https://goccf.com/t/178566

https://goccf.com/t/175021

Cool

Daltonvette, you're kind of coming off like one of these "experts" you're criticizing. You posted this and got responses, but are blowing them off like you're keen on some knowledge no one else is keen on. If you are right, and that's some amazing rare find, I'll be the first to tip my hat to you on this, but your responses to those who don't agree are smacking of ego, sarcasm and arrogance. I'm not sure if you're intending it to be like that, but it's coming off like that. People on this forum are just offering their input from a wide range of experiences and focuses. If you don't agree with someone, that's fine, but when you say things like "lol, ok dude" to half the people who took a moment to offer their insight, it's gonna start to look rude.