This is a question I have asked to many peoples and they have not given any real answer. Why is the roman numeral 4 on a clock's face written as IIII and not as IV ???? 
Off topic Roman numerals
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Both the symbols llll and lV represent the nuber four. Neither is wrong. It is seen that the use of llll aesthetically balances the clock dial being, as it is, horizontally opposite Vlll.
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As Longstrider says: it has to do with aestetical balance. If you have a close look, you'll find 3 symmetrical groups, being:
- I, II, III & IIII
- V, VI, VII & VIII
- IX, X, XI & XII
Some people (want to) see the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Ghost / Spirit) in these 3 symmetrical groups.
Clocks weren't marked from the beginning of time like this. Some makers of well known clocks used IV instead of IIII. Which makes it possible to place a specific clock in it's timeframe or recognise it as a (bad) copy 
(not everyone is aware of this difference, and simply copy the numbers from their IKEA clock )
EDIT:
Neil, don't post when I'm having breakfast and at the same time try to answer on a thread mate
- I, II, III & IIII
- V, VI, VII & VIII
- IX, X, XI & XII
Some people (want to) see the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Ghost / Spirit) in these 3 symmetrical groups.
Clocks weren't marked from the beginning of time
like this. Some makers of well known clocks used IV instead of IIII. Which makes it possible to place a specific clock in it's timeframe or recognise it as a (bad) copy (not everyone is aware of this difference, and simply copy the numbers from their IKEA clock )EDIT:
Neil, don't post when I'm having breakfast and at the same time try to answer on a thread mate
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