Final answer:
The Sumerians used barley for trade before transitioning to precious metals like silver as a means of exchange.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Sumerians initially used a barter system for trade, which included a variety of goods such as barley. Over time, precious metals like silver came to be preferred as a medium of exchange because of their durability and portability.
The transition from using barley to silver reflects the evolution of trade and the development of early monetary systems in human societies. Though the option is not directly given, the historical progression would indicate that barley came before silver as a means of exchange.