A reciprocating compressor includes a frame unit disposed in a container; a reciprocating motor disposed in the frame unit; a cylinder disposed in the frame unit; a piston performing a linear reciprocating motion; a valve unit installed at the front of the frame unit and the piston so as to suck/discharge gas; and a front coil spring arranged on the frame unit in order to support the linear reciprocating motion of the piston elastically and prevent breakage of construction parts abutting on the piston when the piston moves over a top dead center.