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

Counterfeit stamps tend to be sold in bulk and discounted between 20 and 50 percent of their face value, according to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. —Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2025

Some resale tickets are now being listed at prices comparable to or even below their original face value, making this an ideal time to secure your seats. —Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 7 Feb. 2025

There are 240 billion pennies lying around the United States — nearly one out of every two coins minted in the U.S. has a face value of just one cent. —John Fund, National Review, 26 Jan. 2025

Yes, Amica offers whole life insurance products with face values of up to $1 million. —Liz Knueven, CNBC, 12 Feb. 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)