How were goods purchased from the east whitout an abundance of gold and silver?

Goods from the East were often purchased through barter or trade agreements, using commodities such as spices, textiles, or precious stones in place of gold and silver. European traders also established credit systems and used bills of exchange, allowing them to conduct transactions without immediate cash. Additionally, the rise of mercantilism encouraged countries to seek favorable trade balances, sometimes leading to trade with the East through diplomatic relations and alliances that facilitated exchanges without direct monetary transactions.