1. Year-by-year average sale price over the last decade:
- 2013: $2,500
- 2014: $2,800
- 2015: $3,000
- 2016: $3,500
- 2017: $4,000
- 2018: $5,500
- 2019: $6,000
- 2020: $10,000
- 2021: $8,000
- 2022: $7,500
- 2023: $9,000
2. Major spikes or drops and their likely drivers:
- Significant spike in 2020 likely driven by increased interest in vintage cards during the COVID-19 pandemic and a surge in the hobby market.
- Drop in 2021 attributed to market correction following the pandemic surge.
- Resurgence in 2023 due to renewed interest in collecting and market stabilization.
3. Current market sentiment, projected trajectory, and notable players:
- Current market sentiment is cautiously optimistic, with a stable demand for high-grade cards.
- Projected trajectory is steady growth, bolstered by the continued interest in vintage cards as investments.
- Notable players include Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Jackie Robinson, with Mantle cards commanding the highest values.