The Invention relates to a coupling piece element for a Kenter shackle for anchor chains, which shackle comprises two half elements which can be coupled to one another and between which the coupling piece element can be inserted. The coupling piece element has a base body with at least one transverse borehole. Furthermore two securing bolts are provided, which are mounted in at least one transverse borehole in the base body and can be slidably moved outwards by means of at least one spreader element. The laterally protruding ends of the securing bolts are spherical or conical in shape. The base body has protrusions and/or recesses on its side surfaces facing the half elements for positive guidance on the half elements.