At maturity, what amount does a bondholder receive?

At maturity, a bondholder receives the par value of the bond, which is the face value that was initially agreed upon when the bond was issued. This amount is guaranteed by the issuer and represents the principal amount that the bondholder is entitled to at the end of the bond's term. The par value is distinct from other financial metrics associated with bonds, such as the current market price, which can fluctuate based on interest rates and market conditions, or the interest payments received throughout the life of the bond, which are typically paid periodically. Additionally, a premium refers to the situation where a bond trades above its par value in the market, but this does not impact what the bondholder receives at maturity. Thus, the par value is the specific amount that the issuer promises to pay back at the end of the bond's duration, solidifying it as the correct answer.