face value

1. The value printed or written on the face, as of a bill or bond.
2. Apparent significance or value: took their compliments at face value.

The nominal value or dollar value of a security stated by the issuer. For stocks, it is the original cost of the stock shown on the certificate. For bonds, it is the amount paid to the holder at maturity (generally $1,000). Also known as "par value" or simply "par".

Investopedia Says:
In bond investing, face value, or par value, is commonly referred to the amount paid to a bondholder at the maturity date, given the issuer doesn't default. However, bonds sold on the secondary market fluctuate with interest rates. For example, if interest rates are higher than the bond's coupon rate, then the bond is sold at a discount (below par). Conversely, if interest rates are lower than the bond's coupon rate, then the bond is sold at a premium (above par).

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Value of a bond, note, mortgage, or other security as given on the certificate or instrument. Corporate bonds are usually issued with $1,000 face values, municipal bonds with $5,000 face values, and federal government bonds with $10,000 face values. Although the bonds fluctuate in price from the time they are issued until redemption, they are redeemed at maturity at their face value, unless the issuer defaults. If the bonds are retired before maturity, bondholders normally receive a slight premium over face value. The face value is the amount on which interest payments are calculated. Thus, a 10% bond with a face value of $1,000 pays bondholders $100 per year. Face value is also referred to as Par Value or nominal value.

The dollar amount, shown by words and/or numbers, on a document. Compare with Market Value see Amortization.
Example: A Mortgage has a face value of $100,000, an Amortization term of 30 years, and a Face Interest Rate of 6%. It will be amortized in 12 years to $79,079 of remaining balance.

A readily ascertainable amount of money determinable from the words of a written instrument alone without the aid of any other source.

The face value of an instrument such as a financial document is only the amount shown on it, without the inclusion of interest or fees customarily added or reference to its actual market value.

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