The obverse features a stylized geometric emblem resembling an interlocking hexagonal motif, enclosed within a circular border. Surrounding the central design are the inscriptions: “PARADIME” & “BARTER IS BETTER”.
A central five-point star is depicted in relief within a smooth field. The design is enclosed by a raised border and surrounded by the inscription: “MULLIGAN MINT” & A central five-point star is depicted in relief within a smooth field. The design is enclosed by a raised border and surrounded by the inscription: “MULLIGAN MINT” & “1/10 TROY OUNCE .999 FINE SILVER”.
Overview
The 2012 Paradime Barter is Better by Mulligan Mint, Dallas TX is a 1/10 Troy Ounce Silver Round, fractional .999 fine silver bullion issue. It was made during Mulligans brief operational period (circa 2012–2013). This piece represents a lesser-seen denomination within the mint’s output and is attributed to early in-house bullion production prior to the company’s 2013 bankruptcy and liquidation.
Fractional rounds from Mulligan Mint are significantly less common than standard 1 oz issues and provide important insight into the mint’s early production practices, including planchet preparation and strike characteristics.
Interesting Design
The obverse inscription “PARADIME / BARTER IS BETTER” represents a deliberate wordplay combining “paradigm” and “dime,” reflecting an alternative monetary philosophy. The term “Paradime” suggests a new model of money centered on tangible value, while the accompanying phrase “Barter is Better” promotes direct exchange and precious metals as superior to fiat currency.
This messaging aligns with broader early-2010s private bullion movements that emphasized sound money principles, decentralized exchange, and skepticism toward government-issued currency. The presence of this ideological language distinguishes the piece from generic bullion issues and supports its attribution to Mulligan Mint’s early production period, when such themes were commonly expressed in privately issued silver rounds.
Manufacturing Characteristics
Documented specimens exhibit consistent production traits:
- Slightly overweight planchets, commonly exceeding nominal weight
- Variable strike quality, including soft detail and uneven pressure
- Occasional minor off-center alignment
- Smooth fields with light texture typical of high-speed bullion striking
Weight clustering across multiple specimens suggests production from a single or tightly grouped planchet batch, indicating early-stage manufacturing tolerances.
Attribution
- Mint: Mulligan Mint
- Location: Dallas, Texas
- Date: Circa 2012–2013
- Likely Production Window: Early production phase (most likely 2012 based on manufacturing characteristics)
All known examples predate the September 2013 bankruptcy and asset liquidation of Mulligan Mint.
Rarity and Collectibility
The 1/10 oz fractional format is less frequently encountered than standard Mulligan Mint 1 oz rounds. While not a formally limited issue, its relative scarcity and association with early production make it of interest to collectors specializing in:
- Modern private mints
- Texas bullion issues
- Silver Shield–era production history
- Alternative currency–themed silver rounds
- Comparative analysis with earlier AOCS-approved 2010 Go Local Buy Local issues.
