Abstract: A pipe coupling for joining a first pipe to a second pipe, a pipe elbow, a fitting, a machine or the like. The coupling has at least two half shells which engage around the first pipe to form an axial gap and can be tightened against each other by a radially-acting tightening device. The half shells engage axially behind a coupling collar due to a radially inwardly projecting annular shoulder, and together with the collar enclose a sealing ring which is supported on the pipe wall by a radially acting sealing surface. A support ring is likewise enclosed by the half shells and is pushed loosely onto the first pipe. The half shells abut on the pipe wall of the first pipe with their inner wall which is provided with surface contourings, so that tightening of the tightening device leads to pressing of the surface contourings into the pipe wall. The sealing ring is pushed completely onto the first pipe and abuts against the planar end face of the coupling collar.