  We report on the observation of a new isomeric state in $^{68}$Ni. We suggest
that the newly observed state at 168(1) keV above the first 2$^+$ state is a
$\pi(2p-2h)$ 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.
