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

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

Example Sentences

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

These trade over the counter, like corporate bonds, in contrast to $25 par value preferreds that trade on exchanges and are much easier for individual investors to access.

From Barron's • Dec. 4, 2025

Banks can now borrow against the par value - and not the lower market value - of their bond portfolios.

From Reuters • Mar. 14, 2023

More than 90% of active SPACs were recently trading below their par value, according to Goldman Sachs.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 23, 2021

As long as they were maintained by the government at or near par value of specie they would be accepted in payment of all dues, private as well as public.

From Monopolies and the People by Cloud, D. C.