diff --git a/pkgs/applications/altcoins/freicoin.nix b/pkgs/applications/altcoins/freicoin.nix
index e8a26365361..a44dbbd62ce 100644
--- a/pkgs/applications/altcoins/freicoin.nix
+++ b/pkgs/applications/altcoins/freicoin.nix
@@ -16,6 +16,8 @@ stdenv.mkDerivation rec {
   # I think that openssl and zlib are required, but come through other
   # packages
 
+  preBuild = "unset AR";
+
   installPhase = ''
     mkdir -p $out/bin
     cp freicoin-qt $out/bin