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

Vermont passed a similar law capping resale prices earlier this year — with Noah Kahan coming out in support of the bill — though that cap was for 110 percent of the face value price. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026

When people sell their concert and theater tickets on the resell market, the RESALE Act will ensure there is a 10% cap on how much a ticket can be resold above face value. — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 15 July 2026

The face value of premium tickets to the World Cup final that were released in May. — Brett Knight, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Ticket prices float with demand, the way airline seats and concert tickets do, which means that face values that start at a federation-only $60 and climb to $7,875 for a Category 1 seat at the final. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 19 June 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)