face value

American  

[feys val-yoo, feys val-yoo] / ˈfeɪs ˌvæl yu, ˈfeɪs ˈvæl yu /

noun

1. the value printed on the face of a stock, bond, or other financial instrument or document.

2. apparent value.

   Do not accept promises at face value.

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face value British  

noun

1. the value written or stamped on the face of a commercial paper or coin

2. apparent worth or value, as opposed to real worth

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face value Idioms  

1. see at face value.

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Etymology

Origin of face value

First recorded in 1875–80

Compare meaning

How does face-value compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• par value vs. face value

Example Sentences

He’s kept the tickets from Sixers fans and sold them at face value to New Yorkers cheering for the Knicks.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

But on FIFA’s official platform, resale above face value isn’t permitted for Mexico matches.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

The change is to comply with the Ontario government's recent ban on reselling event tickets above face value.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

But thousands of commenters took what they saw at face value.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

Which, at face value, may not sound like the most romantic thing anyone has ever said, but trust me when I swear to you that it was.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith