Iditarod champion Lance Mackey was given another piece of gold to go with his numerous winners medals earlier this week – a special coin.

The Alaska Mint presented the musher with the trinket, which details the years he has won the Last Great Race title – 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Speaking to KTUU.com, an emotional Mackey said: "These are all added bonuses and recognition for what we’ve accomplished. That brings tears to your eyes."

The Fairbanks veteran has been a dominant force in mushing over the past few years – this year he broke course records on the 1,000-mile-plus Iditarod.

He also won the Yukon Quest between 2005 and 2008, losing out on a fifth title after a close dual with Hans Gatt earlier this year.

However, in 2011 Mackey is intending not to run in the races back to back and is instead planning to go up against Gatt in the 500-mile Stage Stop in Wyoming.