Face value is the value of a coin or paper money printed on the coin or bill itself by the minting authority. While the face value usually refers to the true value of the coin 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-ounce American Gold Eagle bullion coin is worth and sells for about $450 USD at current market prices and yet has a face value of only $50 USD.
See also