Résumé : We report on the observation of a new isomeric state in 68Ni. We suggest that the newly observed state at 168(1) keV above the first 2 + state is a π(2p-2h) 0 + state across the major Z=28 shell gap. Comparison with theoretical calculations indicates a pure proton intruder configuration and the deduced low-lying structure of this key nucleus suggests a possible shape coexistence scenario involving a highly deformed state. © 2012 American Physical Society.