Roman numerals on a clock

[fairy!]

The roman numeral for four is IV

So why, on a clock face, is it IIII?

[mjandrews96]

Longcase clocks (also known as grandfather clocks) typically use Roman numerals for the hours. ("IIII" -rather than "IV"- is often used to mark the fourth hour to achieve symmetry with "VIII.")
hope this helps

[Octavius]

It is common, but not universal, and the theory for this is as mjandrews has said. The Great Clock (Big Ben) has 4 as IV on its face.

[-=BigD=-]

By Jupiter!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_numerals#II II_or_IV.3F

[fairy!]

Thanks guys, v helpful :-)

[Bellringer]

Allegedly because Louis fourteenth liked it that way.
There is also the the supposition that the Romans only added on so 4 would be IIII and nine would be VIIII and not IX. You pays your money and takes your chances.