The copper plating only amounts to about 2% of the actually substance of the penny.
I am new and I am sure someone brighter than me will come along with better info, but to me it COULD be unplated zinc, but it is more likely a science experiment. You can plate a penny with zinc, but you can also remove the copper. Here's a video demonstrating that:
WARNING... this reaction gives off toxic fumes, getting it in your eyes will blind you, getting it on your hands will burn you. Drinking it will kill you!
All that work. Not worth it. The cost also not much sense. A home plating job would be easier. Even that not worth doing. I guess just another hobby for some.
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