Visitors unwittingly damaging Giant's Causeway by sticking coins between the rocks
Coins have been left wedged into the basalt rock columns at the popular spot in north Co Antrim.
Reflecting the broad spectrum of visitors to the attraction, the coins range from euro to sterling to dollars and currencies from the Far East.
However, with time the coins rust and expand, putting pressure on the surrounding rock, staining it and causing it to crumble.
The UK's National Trust said the removal of the coins was expected to cost more than £30,000 (€36,000) and has urged visitors to stop.
Dr Cliff Henry, the National Trust nature engagement officer at the Causeway, said visitors should leave no trace behind them.
'We know that visitors really love and cherish the Giant's Causeway, and many form deep personal connections to this special landscape,' he said.
'We know some may want to leave a token of their visit, but the coins are causing damage and we are urging people to stop the practice and to leave no trace so this natural wonder remains special for future generations.'
He cited a report by the British Geological Survey that concludes the coins wedged into the joints and cracks in the rock are having a detrimental impact on the basalt, both aesthetically and physically.
'The report has found that fracturing and disintegration of the basalt rock adjacent to joints and cracks into which coins have been inserted is the result of the 'expansive delamination of the coins upon oxidation',' he said.
'In other words, the coins are rusting and expanding to three times their original thickness, which puts huge pressure on the surrounding rock, causing it to crumble.
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'Unsightly streaks of copper, nickel and iron oxides are also staining the stones where the coins are corroding.'
The National Trust, in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, employed specialists in stone conservation to remove as many of the coins as they could without causing further damage on 10 test locations.
They hope to go on to remove all the remaining coins, and have appealed to visitors not to leave any more.
The coins have accelerated corrosion because they are often soaked in saltwater spray and the mixture of metals means they break down faster
Mr Henry said: 'It is hoped that if visitors see fewer coins in the stones and hear appeals to stop the damaging practice, the problem can be solved.
'Many coins have a centre of one metal, with a thin coating of another. When coins start to corrode, the steel often corrodes faster and separates from the different metal of the outer layer. This delamination causes the basalt to flake.
'The coins here also have accelerated corrosion because they are often soaked in saltwater spray and the mixture of metals means they break down faster.
'We protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. We are appealing to visitors to help us protect the world heritage site by stopping the practice of inserting coins into the Causeway stones.'
The National Trust protects and cares for more than 40,000 columns at the Causeway, which is Northern Ireland's first Unesco world heritage site.
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