In a clock with Roman numbers, why number four is always stamped with "IIII" instead of "IV"?

Answer 1

Wikipedia gives several reasons for the use of IIII instead of IV for the face of clocks.

I like this one best.

The number of symbols on the clock totals twenty 'I's, four 'V's, and four 'X's, so clock makers need only a single mold with five I's, a V, and an X in order to make the correct number of numerals for the clocks, cast four times for each clock:
V IIII IX (flip to XI)
VI II IIX (flip to XII)
VII III X
VIII I IX

Answer 2

You already have some good answers about the clock question but I woul like to say that IIII is actually just as correct as IV and even the most correct in fact...And that is the fact of it IIII is the most correct. And that is probably one of the reasons clockmakers kept the tradition.

Answer 3

No it has nothing to do with their manafacture - it is a very old tradition to avoid confusion with VI "7" on the other side which would be mirrored in position. Kind of stupid, but if you glance at the clock quickly in a rush, you could make a mistake.

Answer 4

Regardless of the reson, IV is correct, NOT IIII.
It does not matter as long as you know the correct one.

Answer 5

The clocks are made by chinese and japanese people instead of romans.

Answer 6

It isn't; both are used. It is up to the clockmaker to use whatever he prefers.

Answer 7

hi frnd
Maybe its our fault that we put 1V by mistake
ur frnd
Akshay
Bye............!!!!!!!!!!!!