EXHIBIT 23.1

                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

   
We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 1 to Form
8-K of our report dated October 2, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated
financial statements of Peninsula Bank of Commerce and Subsidiary as of December
31, 1996 and 1995, and for the three years in the period ended December 31,
1996, appearing in the registration statement on Form S-4 (SEC File No. 333-
37169) of Greater Bay Bancorp and Subsidiaries.    

                                                         
                                                      /s/ Coopers & Lybrand LLP
                                                      --------------------------
                                                      Coopers & Lybrand LLP    

San Francisco, California
   
February 5, 1998