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

Healey said the act would cap resale prices at 110 percent of the original face value price, meaning a $100 for example would only be able to be re-sold for $110. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2026

For example, the one-ounce American Gold Eagle has a face value of $50, but its market value is determined by the current price of gold. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Considering the get-in-price for a lower bowl Notre Dame-Ohio State ticket went for triple or quadruple the $850 face value on the secondary market, McCauley still came out ahead by buying the option and paying face value. — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 20 July 2026

There are also users actively offering to pay above face value (which other users will also report). — William Earl, Variety, 20 July 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)