According to Dr. Sami Hanna, the numbering system throughout the Book of Mormon is clearly Semitic. As illustrated in Helaman 3:36, there is a connective word "and" between each digit: "And it came to pass that the fifty and second year ended in peace."
If Joseph had been merely writing his own book, it would have been natural and expected for him to write "fifty-second year." But again, he was only translating from the hieroglyphics placed before him. [Brenton G. Yorgason, Little Known Evidences of the Book of Mormon, p. 34]
Helaman 3:37 Helaman died, and his eldest son Nephi began to reign in his stead (Nephite Chief Priests) [[Illustration]]: Nephite Chief Priests. Adapted from [John W. Welch and Morgan A. Ashton, "Charting the Book of Mormon," Packet 1, F.A.R.M.S., 1997]
Helaman 3:37 Helaman died, and his eldest son Nephi . . . did walk in the ways of his father (Nephite Record Keepers) [[Illustration]]: Nephite Record Keepers. Adapted from [Church Educational System, Book of Mormon Student Manual: Religion 121 and 122, 1989, p. 155]