A radio frequency coil for transmitting or receiving signals at a magnetic resonance frequency includes an arrangement of substantially parallel rungs (70, 70', 70'') and one or more generally annular strip-type end-rings (78, 78', 78'', 80) disposed generally transverse to the parallel rungs and connected with the rungs. Each generally annular strip-type end-ring includes at least two conductor layers (82, 82', 82'', 84, 84', 84'', 86, 88) separated by a dielectric layer (72, 72a, 72b). A radio frequency shield (34) substantially surrounds the arrangement of substantially parallel rungs (70, 70', 70''). At least one of the conductor layers of each end-ring is connected with the radio frequency shield.