Got this stater in good price due to reverse being as it is. The obverse though I believe is quite exceptional for the type. The question is what could have made it look like that? Is it harshly cleaned horn silver?
Horn silver and crystallization from the looks of it. Looks like it's from just the dirt/soil it was in. Some cleaning caused it too.
That's a nice coin! I really like the strike. The obverse is super nice! There seem to be some deposits on the reverse, but I think the coin's overall appearance is due to cleaning. The coin will darken over time, especially if it is left out.
I loved the obverse, to be honest is one of the sharpest I have ever seen on this type. I had to make a compromise with the reverse which is not that bad but surely not that good either.