face value: Meaning and Definition of

face val•ue

Pronunciation: (fās' val"y for 1 fās' val'y for 2), [key]
  1. the value printed on the face of a stock, bond, or other financial instrument or document.
  2. apparent value: Do not accept promises at face value.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.