A magnetic recording medium is disclosed which is comprised of a nonmagnetic support base having a magnetic layer disposed on one surface. A back coating is disposed on the opposite surface of the support base in order to provide the magnetic recording medium with greater durability without increasing the coefficient of friction. The back coating is comprised of a binder having inorganic particles dispersed therein, the inorganic particles including SnO.sub.2 particles having an average size of about 0.01 to about 0.8.mu.. The back coating does not reduce the S/N ratio of the recording medium.