i can understand it to a point. some pandas come already colored by the China mint. If this is one of them i can see it being graded. if it was done by a third party .. then its just ridiculous!
I believe this coin came colorized from the Chinese mint. There are a few countries that are doing this now. Can't say I like it, but it keeps things interesting.
I was not aware the China Mint is selling painted coins. So I guess it would perfectly fine for PCGS to grade them. But that doesn't mean I have to like it.
Bruce - check out http://www.mint.ca - the Royal Canadian Mint. They take colored coins to the next level.
I have a "3D" coin from the RCM. I recieved it as a christmas present and although I would never have bought it myself it is good to have. RCM produces too many things, which is why I try to just go for circulating coinage, and bills.
Quite a few countries are doing it, such as Australia, Japan, Canada, you name it. You have Eastern Europe countries experimenting with crystal coins, porcelain, etc. Quite interesting. Here is one that has color:
