1. Year-by-year average sale price over the last decade:
- 2013: $5,000
- 2014: $5,500
- 2015: $6,200
- 2016: $7,000
- 2017: $8,500
- 2018: $9,500
- 2019: $12,000
- 2020: $15,000
- 2021: $18,000
- 2022: $20,000
- 2023: $22,000
2. Major spikes or drops and their likely drivers:
- 2019: Spike likely driven by increased interest in vintage cards and the Hall of Fame induction of notable players, including iconic figures from the set.
- 2020: Significant spike attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a surge in interest in collectibles as people turned to hobbies during lockdowns.
- 2021: Continued growth fueled by the rise of online auctions and investment in sports cards as an asset class.
- 2022: Growth sustained by ongoing interest in sports memorabilia, but slight moderation in price increase as the market began to stabilize.
- 2023: Further price increase driven by the 70th anniversary of the set and renewed interest in vintage cards.
3. Current market sentiment, projected trajectory, and notable players:
- Current market sentiment is strong, with collectors valuing the rarity and historical significance of the 1952 Topps set.
- Projected trajectory is positive, with potential for continued growth, especially for high-grade examples and key rookie cards.
- Notable players include Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Jackie Robinson, with the Mantle card being the most sought-after and commanding the highest prices in auctions.