[COOPERS AND LYBRAND LLP. LOGO]




                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in this annual report on
Form 10-K of our report dated February 23, 1996, on our audit of the 
consolidated financial statements of First Sterling Bancorp, Inc. and
Subsidiary as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and for each of the three years
ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, appearing in the registration statement
on Form S-4 (SEC No. 333-13741) of Prime Bancorp, Inc. filed with Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933.


                                           COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

Baltimore, Maryland
March 31, 1997