Coins and the homeless

A wise man once said that the most awkward place to cross paths with a homeless person is on the way to the Coinstar machine. Another awkward place: London (or anywhere else that distributes coins of great value).

I gave a homeless man $9.

Four coins -- one worth £2, two worth £1, and one worth 50p.

I've certainly spent $9 and received far less in return, but this still serves as an unsettling confirmation that I have not grasped the value of my new currency.