The
face value is the value of a
coin,
stamp or
paper money, as printed on the coin, stamp or bill itself by the minting authority. While the face value usually refers to the true value of the coin, stamp or bill in question (as with circulation coins) it can sometimes be largely symbolic, as is often the case with
bullion coins. For example, a one
troy ounce (31 g)
American Gold Eagle bullion coin was worth and sold for about $1,200
USD during 2009 market prices and yet has a face value of only $50 USD.