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

Tickets will be non-transferable and can only be resold on Ticketmaster at face value. —Chris Willman, Variety, 7 May 2026

Before Ravinia Festival publicly announced that rap artist Snoop Dogg was joining its summer lineup, unverified tickets were being sold for more than triple the face value. —Lori Dimun, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026

In addition to the record renewal rate, the average secondary market price for tickets last year was about 50% above face value. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 1 May 2026

Of course, this is all engaging with the indictment at face value, but no one outside or inside the DOJ actually believes that this was the result of a real threat against the president. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 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)