What was the economic system prevailing in europe in the 1500s and 1600s which favored a balanceof exports over imports with a focus of wealth measure by gold and silver?

Mercantilism

Explanation:

Mercantilism is an economic system designed to maximize the exports of a nation and its share of wealth, measured in gold and silver. This was the dominant economic system in Europe from the 16th to the 18th century, before falling into decline with the rise of capitalism. The system promotes the regulation of a country's economy at the expense of other national powers. It also focuses on the accumulation of wealth through a positive balance of trade.