face value

[ feys val-yoo for 1; feys val-yoo for 2 ]

/ ˈfeɪs ˌvæl yu for 1; ˈfeɪs ˈvæl yu for 2 /

the value printed on the face of a stock, bond, or other financial instrument or document.

apparent value: Do not accept promises at face value.

Origin of face value

First recorded in 1875–80

Let us, for argument's sake, take the comparison at face-value and examine its message and veracity.

Obama: More Nixon Than Carter |Melik Kaylan |September 25, 2010 |DAILY BEAST
During the winter that followed, Houston's constant attention to Florence was generally accepted at its face-value.

Ann Arbor Tales |Karl Edwin Harriman
Double their face-value, and then I'll hand them over to anybody.

The Slave of the Mine |Bracebridge Hemyng
He who takes things at their face-value here may indeed be deceived.

The Meaning of Truth |William James

Larry's looks had, certainly, a spell that was something in excess of what may be called their "face-value."

Mount Music |E. Oe. Somerville and Martin Ross
As I mentioned a page or two back, the metal money disappeared and paper sank to one-sixth of its face-value.

A Prisoner in Turkey |John Still

face value

the value written or stamped on the face of a commercial paper or coin

apparent worth or value, as opposed to real worth

face value

see at face value.