In modern (shorthand) notation, M = 1000, CM = 900, L = 50, II = 2 the sum is 1952.In the ancient Roman (full) notation, M = 1000, C = 100, M = 1000, L = 50, II = 2 the sum is 2152.Remember as the Romans used Roman Numerals there in no place order, you just add the values of the letters. Monks in the Middle Ages created the modern (shorthand) notation with place order to save time and ink when making copies.