On most classic clock faces,
Roman 4 is written IIII instead of IV.
Why?

Question

Accepted Answer

Visual balance — IIII mirrors VIII on the other side of the dial. — Some also say Louis XIV insisted on IIII because IV was the first two letters of Jupiter’s name (IVPITER). Both stories are half-true.

On most classic clock faces, Roman 4 is written IIII instead of IV. Why?