There were two big positions at the Royal Mint in the 17th century. The Warden was theoretically the big dog, in charge of tracking down counterfeiters and generally ensuring the stability of the realm's currency. The Master was the one responsible for the contract distribution, and that's where the money was to be made. Newton started out as the former, which is where he developed his mastery of disguise (no, really - way for reals history this time guys!), and then, realizing that there was money to be made, promptly jumped ship to the latter.

As to what Sir Anthony St. Leger's dark secret is, who can say? There are a lot of Sir Anthony St. Leger's in history, and the one who was Warden of the Mint is one of the less brightly shining lights of that name clan. Pepys mentions him once in his diaries in connection with buying a new printing press for the Mint. And, really, he was just co-Warden for a third of his years in the post. Two or three Wardens later, we get Owen Wynne in the position, who is so miraculously even-keeled that he's almost exotic. Then, wait another couple of Wardens, and you're at Newton. Unfortunately, the title expired in 1829.

- Count Dolby von Luckner