1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement
of Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Corp. on Form S-3 of our report dated
February 6, 1998, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and
financial statement schedules of Philadelphia Consolidated Holding Corp. and
Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1997. We also consent to the reference to our firm
under the caption "Experts".
 
                                          /s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 1, 1998