diff --git a/anki/sync.py b/anki/sync.py
index c49ad59d7..35dfa469b 100644
--- a/anki/sync.py
+++ b/anki/sync.py
@@ -373,6 +373,10 @@ from notes where %s""" % d)
     def mergeDecks(self, rchg):
         for r in rchg[0]:
             l = self.col.decks.get(r['id'], False)
+            # work around mod time being stored as string
+            if l and not isinstance(l['mod'], int):
+                l['mod'] = int(l['mod'])
+
             # if missing locally or server is newer, update
             if not l or r['mod'] > l['mod']:
                 self.col.decks.update(r)