A thermal spray coated piston ring having improved initial running-in propery, and having scuffing resistance and wear resistance is provided. The spray coating film (3) of the piston ring (1) contains from 2 to 40 mass % of Sn and from 5 to 50 mass % of graphite, and if necessary, P, Sb, Co, Be, Cr, Mn, Si, Cd, Zn, Fe, Ni and/or Pb, the balance essentially consisting of Cu.