What was the average price of a loaf bread in 1972?

Unfortunately, there's no single definitive answer to what the average price of a loaf of bread was in 1972.

Here's why:

* Bread varieties: The price varied greatly depending on the type of bread (white, wheat, rye, etc.), size, and brand.

* Location: Prices differed based on geographical location. A loaf in New York City might cost more than one in a rural area.

* Data limitations: It's challenging to find comprehensive, nationwide data on bread prices from that specific year.

However, we can get an estimate:

* Consumer Price Index (CPI): The CPI can give us a general idea of inflation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CPI for food in 1972 was 125.3 (1982-1984 = 100). This means food prices in 1972 were roughly 25% higher than they were in 1982-1984.

* Anecdotal evidence: While not scientific, some sources suggest that a loaf of bread in 1972 cost around 25-30 cents.

Therefore, a reasonable estimate for the average price of a loaf of bread in 1972 would be between 25 and 30 cents, adjusted for inflation.

Keep in mind that this is just an approximation. The actual price you might have paid in 1972 would have depended on the factors mentioned above.