The Chinese characters on the coin is perhaps evidence that the anthropomorphic design is originally Chinese (????), but not necessarily the same as the Visayan anthropomorphic design which may have a different origin.
Finding out what "ta" (big) and "tien" (sky) represents and why they were added to the Spanish coin may give a clue regarding the history of this dagger. The coin experts may know.
I am inclined to agree with Nacho that the hilt was perhaps made by Chinese artisans based outside China.
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