It's a regular thing for PR to trade in silver. We have used small denomination (.10 oz) gold coins to make private purchases locally. We are supplied with fresh eggs, Moose meat, fish etc. in exchange for services PR provides or other "Valuable considerations".
Of course, under the table purchases at small businesses with hard money would be illegal so that never happens.
'PR"? Aren't you in Alaska? {'proportional representation'?} 🤔 🤷♂️
Barter will soon be much more common. I like your idea of 1/10 oz gold... no need to cash in a $2,000 gold coin for a loaf of bread - hopefully!