face value

American  

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

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

See Examples For:

face value

Scotland has a new boom industry, at least if planning applications are taken at face value.

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

If a bond is trading at its face value, we say it is trading at 100, or at par.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026

Coupon: The interest rate that a bond issuer pays based on the bond’s face value.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026

This is a function of America’s guardrail-deprived resale market, in which tickets are snapped up at face value then legally resold at extortionate prices.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

Spanish and French narratives cannot be taken at face value, and in any case say nothing substantial about disease.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann