par value

American  

noun

1. face value.

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par value British  

noun

1. Also called: face value. the value imprinted on the face of a share certificate or bond and used to assess dividend, capital ownership, or interest Compare market value book value

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Etymology

Origin of par value

First recorded in 1800–10

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Compare meaning

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

• par value vs. face value
• par value vs. market value

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

par value

The resulting market skepticism persisted even after Strategy’s CEO Phong Le said last Monday that he has purchased $1 million worth of Stretch shares and pledged to hold them until they reclaim par value.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026

After the market close, Avis filed an automatic regulatory filing for the offer and sale “from time to time” of common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

From Barron's ● Mar. 27, 2026

The fair-value deals priced at 99.7% of par value as of Feb. 12, according to securities filings by the Blue Owl BDCs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 6, 2026

Blue Owl highlighted that the loan sales were for 99.7% of par value, which it said was evidence of the confidence that large, experienced buyers have in its direct lending platform.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 19, 2026

South Sea shares of a hundred pounds par value reached a thousand pounds.

From Caricature and Other Comic Art in all Times and many Lands. by James Parton

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