diff --git a/bittensor_cli/src/bittensor/subtensor_interface.py b/bittensor_cli/src/bittensor/subtensor_interface.py
index 383e7f43e..09136ca05 100644
--- a/bittensor_cli/src/bittensor/subtensor_interface.py
+++ b/bittensor_cli/src/bittensor/subtensor_interface.py
@@ -1250,7 +1250,7 @@ async def create_signed(call_to_sign, n):
         inner_hash = ""
         if mev_protection:
             max_mev_era = 8
-            if era is not None and era["period"] > max_mev_era:
+            if era is None or era["period"] > max_mev_era:
                 era = {"period": max_mev_era}
             next_nonce = await self.substrate.get_account_next_index(
                 keypair.ss58_address