face value

noun

1

: the value indicated on the face (as of a postage stamp or a stock certificate)

2

: the apparent value or significance

if their remarks may be taken at face value

Examples of face value in a Sentence

We paid $100 for tickets that had a face value of $50.

Recent Examples on the Web

The face value of all tournament ticket sales goes to Treasure Valley charities. —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 24 Mar. 2026

That was about twice face value, but a relative bargain with what few tickets remained, most of them priced in the $400 to $600 range. —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026

California has introduced the Fans First Act, which restricts resales to 10% above face value, and there’s a similar bill in New York. —Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026

The total face value of the hoard is 4,070 rubles in gold, which translates to approximately $250,000 USD today. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 8 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for face value

• eigenvalue
• undervalue

Kids Definition

face value

noun

1

: the value indicated on the face of something (as a coin, bill, bond, or insurance policy)

2

: the apparent worth or significance

can't take what he says at face value

Legal Definition

face value

noun

: the value indicated on the face of something (as a stock certificate)