"Face value" refers to the nominal or stated value of a financial instrument, such as a bond or stock certificate, as indicated on its front. For example, a bond with a face value of $1,000 means that this is the amount the issuer will pay back to the bondholder at maturity. In everyday language, face value can also mean accepting something as it appears without questioning its deeper meaning. For instance, if someone says a product is "the best," taking it at face value means believing the claim without further investigation into its quality or performance.