1/10 oz Victory in the Pacific Gold Coin

Perth Mint Fractional Gold Commemorating the Pacific War

The 1/10 oz Victory in the Pacific gold coin is a WWII commemorative bullion issue from the Perth Mint, first released in 2013. Struck in .9999 fine gold with a face value of AUD $15, it commemorates the Allied victory in the Pacific Theatre, honouring the partnership between Australia and the United States that culminated in Japan's surrender aboard USS Missouri on 2 September 1945.

The reverse design depicts a bald eagle in flight clutching an olive branch of peace, with the Stars and Stripes on the left and the Southern Cross constellation on the right. The eagle-and-olive-branch motif echoes the Great Seal of the United States, reinforcing the US-Australian alliance theme. The Perth Mint's "P" mintmark appears on the reverse. Unlike many Perth Mint series, this design has remained consistent since launch, making it a bullion-focused coin rather than a collector series with annual design changes.

The Victory in the Pacific sits as a secondary offering in the Perth Mint's gold bullion range, alongside the flagship Kangaroo and various limited-edition series. It offers the same government backing (Australian legal tender under the Currency Act 1965), the same .9999 purity guarantee, and the same Perth Mint authentication standards, typically at a slightly lower premium than the Kangaroo.

The WWII alliance theme gives this coin particular resonance for American buyers, where Perth Mint bullion has a strong following. The 1/10 oz gold denomination provides an accessible entry point for buyers who want Perth Mint gold without committing to the larger sizes.

1/10 oz Victory in the Pacific Gold Coin Specifications

Design Details

• Reverse: Bald eagle in flight with olive branch, US flag (left), Southern Cross (right). Inscription: "VICTORY IN THE PACIFIC" and "1945". Perth Mint "P" mintmark.
• Obverse (pre-2023): Ian Rank-Broadley portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
• Obverse (2023+): King Charles III effigy.

The Perth Mint's micro-laser engraved authentication letter is present on the reverse, providing a basic anti-counterfeiting measure visible under magnification.

The static reverse design, unchanged since the series launched in 2013, makes the Victory in the Pacific straightforward to authenticate by visual comparison. Each year's coin is identical apart from the date on the obverse. At 16.1mm diameter, the coin sits in the standard range for 1/10 oz sovereign mint gold. The Perth Mint sealed tubes hold coins securely with tamper-evident seals for bulk buyers.

Victory in the Pacific 1/10 oz Gold Tax Treatment

Australia

GST-free as investment-grade gold (99.5%+ purity). The coin is Australian legal tender under the Currency Act 1965. Capital gains tax applies on disposal, with a 50% CGT discount for individuals holding the coin for more than 12 months.

United States

IRA-eligible. The .9999 purity exceeds the IRS minimum of .995 for gold in precious metals IRAs. Must be held by an IRS-approved custodian. Capital gains taxed at the collectibles rate (up to 28%). Sales tax varies by state; over 35 states exempt bullion purchases.

United Kingdom

VAT-exempt as investment gold (purity exceeds 99.5%, post-1800 legal tender coin). Not CGT-exempt in the UK; only coins denominated in sterling and issued by The Royal Mint qualify for UK CGT exemption. Gains are taxed at 18% (basic rate) or 24% (higher rate), with a GBP 3,000 annual allowance.

Canada

GST/HST exempt (gold of 99.5%+ purity). Capital gains at the 50% inclusion rate. Not RRSP/TFSA eligible.

New Zealand

GST-exempt (gold of 99.5%+ purity). No formal capital gains tax in New Zealand, though gains may be taxable as income if IRD determines the bullion was acquired for resale.

Singapore and Hong Kong

No GST on investment precious metals in Singapore. No sales tax, import duty, or capital gains tax in Hong Kong.

1/10 oz Victory in the Pacific vs Other Perth Mint and Fractional Gold

Within the Perth Mint's own gold bullion range, the Victory in the Pacific is a secondary product compared to the 1/10 oz Kangaroo. Both share .9999 purity, Australian legal tender status, and the Perth Mint's authentication measures. The Kangaroo has wider dealer availability, a deeper secondary market, and annually changing designs that add collector interest. The Victory in the Pacific typically trades at slightly lower premiums, reflecting its lower profile.

The 1/10 oz Wedge-Tailed Eagle, also from the Perth Mint, is a limited-mintage collector-bullion coin designed by John Mercanti. It commands higher premiums than the Victory in the Pacific and targets a different buyer profile. For straightforward fractional gold investment through the Perth Mint, the Victory in the Pacific offers better value per gram.

Against international competitors, the 1/10 oz Victory in the Pacific sits in the middle of the field. The 1/10 oz Maple Leaf offers better security features (Bullion DNA) and wider global recognition. The 1/10 oz Britannia provides CGT exemption for UK buyers. The American Gold Eagle dominates the US market. For buyers who specifically want Perth Mint provenance at a fractional weight, the Victory in the Pacific delivers the same government-backed .9999 gold at a competitive premium level.

The static design is both a strength and a limitation. It means every year's coin is visually identical, making the Victory in the Pacific a pure bullion play without collector premium dynamics. Buyers who want that simplicity may prefer it over the Kangaroo's annually changing designs, where older vintages can command variable resale premiums.