A HTS RF coil is disclosed having at least a factor of three improvement in the SNR over a comparable copper coil and at least a factor of six improvement in Q over a comparable copper coil. A commercially available HTS tape is formed into a loop. High-Q capacitors are soldered across the loop ends. The silver sheath covering the tape is removed through chemical etching. The coil is placed in a holder for mechanical support and protection and covered with a cover having through holes enabling the coolant to directly contact the HTS coil.