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 denominations of hell notes can often run to eight figures, though their face value has little bearing on their earthly price, which can be as low as a few cents. —Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025

Listings varied by city, with some resale amounts reaching several hundred dollars above face value. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 22 Nov. 2025

Hayley Williams, for example, decided to turn off ticket transferability and resale altogether in an effort to stop scalpers, instead only allowing resale through a face value ticket exchange. —Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 21 Nov. 2025

In January, the government launched a consultation on a cap amount that would limit the price increase to between zero and 30 percent on the face value of a ticket. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2025

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)