Par value, also known as nominal or original value, is the face value of a bond or the value of a stock certificate, as stated in the corporate charter.

Stock certificates issued for purchased shares show the par value. The par value of shares, or the stated value per share, is the lowest legal price for which a company sells its shares.

Par value is required for a bond or a fixed-income instrument and shows its maturity value and the dollar value of the coupon, or interest, payments due to the bondholder.