diff --git a/desc/vmec.py b/desc/vmec.py
index ea64dd0927..04f989fb1c 100644
--- a/desc/vmec.py
+++ b/desc/vmec.py
@@ -250,7 +250,7 @@ def save(  # noqa: C901 - FIXME - simplify
         N = eq.N
         M_nyq = M + 4 if M_nyq is None else M_nyq
         N_nyq = N + 2 if N_nyq is None else N_nyq
-        N_nyq = 0 if N is None else N_nyq
+        N_nyq = 0 if int(N) == 0 else N_nyq
 
         # VMEC radial coordinate: s = rho^2 = Psi / Psi(LCFS)
         s_full = np.linspace(0, 1, surfs)