diff --git a/core/blockchain.go b/core/blockchain.go
index 901a93315a..203dcd2693 100644
--- a/core/blockchain.go
+++ b/core/blockchain.go
@@ -620,7 +620,7 @@ func (bc *BlockChain) initializeHistoryPruning(latest uint64) error {
 		if predefinedPoint == nil {
 			log.Error("Chain history pruning is not supported for this network", "genesis", bc.genesisBlock.Hash())
 			return fmt.Errorf("history pruning requested for unknown network")
-		} else if freezerTail != predefinedPoint.BlockNumber {
+		} else if freezerTail > 0 && freezerTail != predefinedPoint.BlockNumber {
 			log.Error("Chain history database is pruned to unknown block", "tail", freezerTail)
 			return fmt.Errorf("unexpected database tail")
 		}