Abstract: Example minimalist magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radio frequency (RF) coils that are connected to off coil circuitry by capacitive coupling plates are described. A minimalist MRI RF coil may have some elements that form a traditional coil located off the coil in off coil circuitry. An MR procedure may involve a number of minimalist MRI RF coils that are moved through an excitation zone as a patient is moved through the excitation zone. Example minimalist MRI RF coils may be selectively connected to off coil circuitry while the coils are in the excitation zone. The coupling may be made by capacitive coupling plates. Unlike conventional systems, example systems have capacitive coupling plates with properties that facilitate maintaining a constant capacitance between a coupling plate associated with the coil and coupling plates associated with the off coil circuitry as the coupling plates move relative to each other.