What does mcmlxxiii translate to?

Here's how to break it down:

* M = 1000

* CM = 900 (C before M means 1000 - 100)

* L = 50

* XX = 20 (X before X means 10 + 10)

* III = 3

Adding these together, you get 1000 + 900 + 50 + 20 + 3 = 1973