Abstract: A magneto-optical disc includes a substrate, a recording layer, and a protective coating comprised of a resin and a lubricant. The disc is operated for magneto-optical recording in a magnetic field modulation mode such that the protective coating is in sliding contact with a magnetic head. The lubricant is a higher fatty acid ester R.sup.1 --COO--R.sup.2 wherein R.sup.1 is a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic C.sub.10 -C.sub.30 hydrocarbon residue, and R.sup.2 is a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic C.sub.10 -C.sub.30 hydrocarbon residue. Alternatively, the protective coating is formed by curing with radiation a composition containing a lubricant and a radiation-curable compound such that micropores are locally formed in or near the outer surface of the protective coating, the lubricant being distributed in the micropores. In either case, the protective coating is effective for minimizing friction with the magnetic head.