FORM 10-Q

                        SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C.  20549


     [X]        QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                      OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

     For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997

                                        OR

     [ ]        TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

     For the transition period from ................ to ................


Commission File Number 0-5486


                          PRESIDENTIAL LIFE CORPORATION               
           (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

           Delaware                                  13-2652144               
(State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 incorporation or organization)

69 Lydecker Street, Nyack, New York                            10960          
(Address of principal executive offices)                    (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code      914 - 358-2300         

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last 
report)


     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    YES   X       NO  

     There were 32,697,736 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share
of the issuer's common stock outstanding as of the close of business on
August 11, 1997.


                                      INDEX

Part I - Financial Information                                   Page No.

Item 1.  Consolidated Financial Statements

   Consolidated Balance Sheets June 30, 1997 
   (Unaudited) and December 31, 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

   Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - For
   the Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . .4

   Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - For
   the Three Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . . .5

   Consolidated Statements of Shareholders'
   Equity (Unaudited) - For the Six Months Ended
   June 30, 1997 and 1996. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - For
   the Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . .7

   Notes to (Unaudited) Consolidated Financial Statements. . . . . 8-10

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of
         Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . .11-17


Part II - Other Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

   Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

   Item 2.  Changes in Securities

   Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   Item 5.  Other Information

   Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K


Signatures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

<TABLE>
                                   
              PRESIDENTIAL LIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                    (In thousands, except share data)

                                                    June 30,      December 31,
                                                      1997            1996
                                                   (UNAUDITED)  

<S>                                               <C>              <C>

ASSETS:
Investments:
   Fixed maturities:
    Available for sale at market (Cost of
     $1,785,885 and $1,761,417,
     respectively)                                $1,845,594       $1,823,349
   Common stocks (Cost of $37,141 and
     $33,621, respectively)                           49,667           42,059
   Mortgage Loans                                     18,251           18,622
   Real Estate                                           419              426
   Policy Loans                                       18,229           18,068
   Short-term investments                            229,257          240,038
   Other invested assets                             203,636          176,103
          Total investments                        2,365,053        2,318,665

Cash and cash equivalents                                214              819
Accrued investment income                             24,980           32,474
Deferred policy acquisition costs                     39,304           39,783
Furniture and equipment, net                             414              329
Amounts due from reinsurers                            6,983            7,775
Other assets                                           1,359            1,532
Assets held in separate account                        5,173            5,548
          TOTAL ASSETS                            $2,443,480       $2,406,925

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Liabilities:
Policy Liabilities:
   Policyholders' account balances                $1,257,366       $1,260,545
   Future policy benefits:
    Annuity                                          371,298          365,321
    Life and accident and health                      50,577           49,859
   Other policy liabilities                            3,045            2,690
          Total policy liabilities                 1,682,286        1,678,415
Dollar Repurchase Agreements                         205,962          200,883
Note payable                                          50,000           50,000
Short-term note payable                               12,500            5,000
Deposits on policies to be issued                      2,668            1,270
Deferred federal income taxes                         30,280           31,649
General expenses and taxes accrued                     7,069            7,294
Other liabilities                                      1,672            3,803
Liabilities related to separate account                5,173            5,548
          Total liabilities                        1,997,610        1,983,862

Shareholders' Equity:
   Capital stock ($.01 par value, authorized
    100,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding
    32,697,701 shares in 1997 and 32,992,835
    shares in 1996)                                      327              330
   Additional paid in capital                         19,727           24,023
   Net unrealized investment gains                    41,756           40,294
   Retained earnings                                 384,060          358,416

    Total Shareholders' Equity                       445,870          423,063

    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY    $2,443,480       $2,406,925


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Unaudited Consolidated
Financial Statements.

</TABLE>

<TABLE>

              PRESIDENTIAL LIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                     (In thousands, except share data)

                                                     SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                          JUNE 30
                                                        (UNAUDITED)

                                                   1997              1996

<S>                                           <C>                <C>

REVENUES:
   Insurance Revenues:
     Premiums                                 $     1,098        $     1,277
     Annuity considerations                         7,978              2,319
     Universal life and investment
        type policy fee income                        956                991
   Net investment income                           98,022             93,941
   Realized investment gains                       11,013              9,728
   Other income                                     2,995              1,551

           TOTAL REVENUES                         122,062            109,807

BENEFITS AND EXPENSES:
   Death and other life insurance benefits          3,100              3,108
   Annuity benefits                                18,824             17,993
   Interest credited to policyholders'
     account balances                              37,435             37,381
   Interest expense on notes payable                2,780              2,512
   Other interest and other charges                   228                245
   Increase in liability for future
     policy benefits                                7,116              1,000
   Commissions to agents, net                       1,896              1,209
   General expenses and taxes                       7,752              6,958
   Decrease in deferred policy
     acquisition costs                                842              1,877

           TOTAL BENEFITS AND EXPENSES             79,973             72,283

Income before income taxes                         42,089             37,524
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
   Current                                         15,308             14,028
   Deferred                                        (2,139)            (1,178)
                                                   13,169             12,850

NET INCOME                                    $    28,920        $    24,674

Income per share                              $       .88        $       .74

Weighted average number of shares
outstanding during the period                  32,816,821         33,349,913


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Unaudited
Consolidated Financial Statements.

</TABLE>

<TABLE>

              PRESIDENTIAL LIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                     (In thousands, except share data)

                                                   THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                        JUNE 30
                                                      (UNAUDITED)

                                                   1997              1996

<S>                                           <C>                <C>

REVENUES:
   Insurance Revenues:
     Premiums                                 $       862        $       935
     Annuity considerations                         3,078              1,455
     Universal life and investment 
        type policy fee income                        521                512
   Net investment income                           49,399             44,188
   Realized investment gains                        8,503              8,249
   Other income                                     2,176                545

           TOTAL REVENUES                          64,539             55,884

BENEFITS AND EXPENSES:
   Death and other life insurance benefits          1,607              1,472
   Annuity benefits                                 9,604              8,976
   Interest credited to policyholders'
     account balances                              18,915             18,468
   Interest expense on notes payable                1,436              1,254
   Other interest and other charges                   110                172
   Increase (decrease) in liability for
     future policy benefits                         3,312              1,534
   Commissions to agents, net                         856                625
   General expenses and taxes                       4,015              2,149
   Decrease in deferred policy
     acquisition costs                              1,167                768

           TOTAL BENEFITS AND EXPENSES             41,022             35,418

Income before income taxes                         23,517             20,466

Provision (benefit) for income taxes
   Current                                          8,138              6,562
   Deferred                                          (993)              (412)
                                                    7,145              6,150

NET INCOME                                    $    16,372        $    14,316

Income per share                              $       .50        $       .43

Weighted average number of shares
outstanding during the period                  32,712,132          33,223,706


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Unaudited
Consolidated Financial Statements.

</TABLE>

<TABLE>

              PRESIDENTIAL LIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
              FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 AND 1996
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
                                (UNAUDITED)

                                        Net
                            Additional  Unrealized
                  Capital   Paid-in-    Investment      Retained
                  Stock     Capital     Gains (Losses)  Earnings      Total

<S>               <C>       <C>         <C>             <C>          <C>

Balance at
December 31,
1995              $335      $30,130     $ 61,732        $308,863     $401,060

Net Income                                                24,674       24,674

Issuance of
Shares Under
Stock Option
Plan                             44                                        44

Purchase and
Retirement
of Stock             (3)     (3,121)                                   (3,124)

Change in
Unrealized   
Investment
Gains, Net                               (38,787)                     (38,787)

Dividends 
paid to 
Shareholders
(.07 per 
share)                                                   (2,325)       (2,325)

Balance at
June 30,
1996              $332      $27,053     $ 22,945       $331,212      $381,542

Balance at
December 31,
1996              $330      $24,023     $ 40,294       $358,416      $423,063

Net Income                                               28,920        28,920

Issuance of
Shares Under
Stock Option
Plan                              2                                         2

Purchase and
Retirement
of Stock            (3)      (4,298)                                   (4,301)

Change in
Unrealized
Investment
Gains, Net                                 1,462                        1,462

Dividends
paid to
Shareholders
(.10 per
share)                                                   (3,276)       (3,276)

Balance at
June 30,
1997              $327      $19,727     $ 41,756       $384,060      $445,870


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the Unaudited Consolidated
Financial Statements.

</TABLE>

<TABLE>

               PRESIDENTIAL LIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                               (In thousands)
                                                       SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                            JUNE 30
                                                          (UNAUDITED)

                                                      1997             1996

<S>                                               <C>              <C>

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 Net income                                       $    28,920      $   24,674
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to
   net cash provided by (used in)
   operating activities:
     Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes     (2,139)         (1,178)
     Depreciation and amortization                        258             247
     Net accrual of discount on fixed maturities         (376)           (750)
     Realized investment losses (gains)               (11,013)         (9,728)
 Changes in:
     Accrued investment income                          7,494           3,859
     Deferred policy acquisition cost                     842             768
     Federal income tax recoverable                    (1,130)            477
     Liability for future policy benefits               6,695          (1,012)
     Other items                                          (46)          9,191

        Net Cash Provided by 
          Operating Activities                         29,505          26,548

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 Fixed Maturities:
   Available for Sale:
     Acquisitions                                    (122,852)       (200,435)
     Sales                                              4,369           9,147
     Maturities, calls and repayments                  87,959         186,969
 Common Stocks:
     Acquisitions                                     (12,778)         (6,519)
     Sales                                             26,702          14,393
 Decrease (increase) in short term
   investments and policy loans                        10,620          (6,443)
 Other Invested Assets:
   Additions to other invested assets                 (67,870)        (38,245)
   Distributions from other invested assets            40,337          16,884
 Purchase of property and equipment                      (189)           (104)
 Mortgage loans on real estate                            371              42

        Net Cash Provided by (Used in)
          Investing Activities                        (33,331)        (24,311)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 Proceeds from Dollar Repurchase Agreements         1,192,909       1,000,082
 Repayment of Dollar Repurchase Agreements         (1,187,830)       (977,908)
 Decrease in policyholders' account balances           (3,179)        (19,345)
 Repurchase of common stock                            (4,301)         (3,077)
 Proceeds from line of credit                           7,500               0
 Deposits on policies to be issued                      1,398          (2,155)
 Dividends paid to shareholders                        (3,276)         (2,326)

        Net Cash Provided by (Used in)
          Financing Activities                          3,221          (4,729)

 Increase (decrease) in Cash and Cash
   Equivalents                                           (605)         (2,492)

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year            819          (1,874)

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period        $       214      $   (4,366)

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure:

 Income Taxes Paid                                $    16,939      $   14,006

 Interest Paid                                    $     2,534      $    2,375


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Unaudited Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

</TABLE>


                PRESIDENTIAL LIFE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     A.  Business

     Presidential Life Corporation ("the Company"), through its
wholly-owned subsidiary Presidential Life Insurance Company ("the
Insurance Company"), is engaged in the sale of life insurance and
annuities.

     B.  Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

     The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles ("GAAP") applicable to stock life insurance companies for
interim financial statements and with the requirements of Form 10-Q. 
Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes
required by generally accepted accounting principles applicable to stock
life insurance companies for complete financial statements.  In the
opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring
accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been
included.  Interim results for the six months ended June 30, 1997 are
not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the
year ending December 31, 1997.  Management believes that, although the
disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not
misleading, the consolidated financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the footnotes contained in the Company's audited
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1996.

     C.  Investments

     Fixed maturity investments available for sale represent investments
which may be sold in response to changes in various economic conditions. 
These investments are carried at market value and unrealized gains and
losses, net of the effects of amortization of deferred policy
acquisition costs of approximately $8.0 million and $8.4 million, and
deferred Federal income taxes of approximately $18.1 million and $18.6
million at June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively, are
credited or charged directly to shareholders' equity, unless a decline
in market value is considered to be other than temporary in which case
the investment is reduced to its net realizable value.  Equity
securities include common stocks and non-redeemable preferred stocks and
are carried at market, with the related unrealized gains and losses, net
of deferred income taxes, if any, charged directly to shareholders'
equity, unless a decline in market value is deemed to be other than
temporary in which case the investment is reduced to its net realizable
value.

     "Other invested assets" are recorded at the lower of cost or
market, or equity as appropriate, and primarily include interests in
limited partnerships, which principally are engaged in real estate,
international opportunities, acquisitions of private growth companies,
debt restructuring and merchant banking.  Limited partnership interests
usually are not registered and typically are illiquid.  To evaluate the
appropriateness of the carrying value of a limited partnership interest,
management maintains ongoing discussions with the investment manager and
considers the limited partnership's operation, its current and near term
projected financial condition, earnings capacity and distributions
received by the Company during the year.  Because it is not practicable
to obtain an independent valuation for each limited partnership
interest, for purposes of disclosure, the market value of a limited
partnership interest is estimated at book value.  Management believes
that the net realizable value of such limited partnership interests, in
the aggregate, exceeds their related carrying value as of June 30, 1997
and December 31, 1996.  As of June 30, 1997, the Company was committed
to contribute, if called upon, an aggregate of approximately $94.4
million of additional capital to certain of these limited partnerships.

     In evaluating whether an investment security or other investment
has suffered an impairment in value which is deemed to be "other than
temporary", management considers all available evidence.  When a decline
in the value of an investment security or other investment is considered
to be other than temporary, the investment is reduced to its net
realizable value, which becomes the new cost basis.  The amount of
reduction is recorded as a realized loss.  A recovery from the adjusted
cost basis is recognized as a realized gain only at sale.

     The Company participates in "dollar roll" repurchase agreement
transactions to enhance investment income.  Dollar roll transactions
involve the sale of certain mortgage backed securities to a holding
institution and a simultaneous agreement to purchase substantially
similar securities for forward settlement at a lower dollar price.  The
proceeds are invested in short-term securities at a positive spread
until the settlement date of the similar securities.  During this
period, the holding institution receives all income and prepayments for
the security.  Dollar roll repurchase agreement transactions are treated
as financing transactions for financial reporting purposes.

     As part of a proposed rehabilitation plan for Fidelity Mutual Life
Insurance Company ("Fidelity"), on January 11, 1995 the Insurance
Company signed a definitive purchase agreement with the Pennsylvania
Insurance Commissioner and Fidelity to invest up to $45 million for a
minority (49.9%) interest in a Fidelity subsidiary insurance holding
company.  In addition, the Company had agreed to purchase $25 million of
Senior Notes of such company.  The Company was informed by the
Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner, that in response to the significant
improvement in the invested assets of Fidelity, she has reopened the
process to select an equity investor for the recapitalization and
rehabilitation of Fidelity.  The Company disagreed with the
Commissioner's actions and commenced litigation which was settled in the
second quarter of 1997.  As part of the settlement, the Company received
$1.7 million.  Such amount is included in other income in the
accompanying financial statements.

     D.  Federal Income Taxes

     The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No.
109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS 109") which requires an asset
and liability method in recording income taxes on all transactions that
have been recognized in the financial statements. SFAS 109 provides that
deferred taxes be adjusted to reflect tax rates at which future tax
liabilities or assets are expected to be settled or realized.

     E.  New Accounting Pronouncements

     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 125, "Accounting
for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of
Liabilities" ("SFAS No. 125"), was issued in June of 1996 and requires
adoption not later than fiscal years that begin after December 31, 1996. 
SFAS 125 establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for
transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of
liabilities.

     In December 1996, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
issued SFAS No. 127, "Deferral of the Effective Date of Certain
Provisions of FASB Statement No. 125".  SFAS No. 127 amends SFAS No. 125
by deferring for one year the effective date of paragraph 15 of SFAS No.
125, addressing secured borrowings and collateral, and for repurchase
agreement, dollar roll, security lending and similar transactions, of
paragraphs 9 through 12 and 237(b) of SFAS No. 125.  Management is
evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 125 and 127 on the Company.

2.  INVESTMENTS

     Investments in U.S. Government & Government Agencies with an
aggregate carrying value of $561,614,000 represent investments owned in
any one issuer that aggregate 10% or more of Shareholders' Equity as of
June 30, 1997.

     Securities with a carrying value of approximately $5.2 million were
on deposit with various state insurance departments to comply with
applicable insurance laws.


3.  NOTES PAYABLE

     Notes payable at June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996 consists of a
$50 million, 9 1/2% Senior Note ("Senior Note") due December 15, 2000. 
Interest is payable June 15 and December 15.  Debt issue costs are being
amortized on the interest method over the term of the notes.  As of June
30, 1997, such unamortized costs were $1.0 million.  There are no
principal payments required for the senior notes over the next three
years and the total principal is due on December 15, 2000.  The senior
note is callable after December 14, 1998.

     Covenants

     The indenture governing the senior notes contains covenants
relating to limitations on additional indebtedness, restricted payments,
liens and sale or issuance of capital stock of the Insurance Company. 
In the event the Company violates such covenants as defined in the
indenture, the Company is obligated to offer to repurchase 25% of the
outstanding principal amount of such notes.  The Company believes that
it is in compliance with all of the covenants.

     The Company has one bank line of credit in the amount of
$15,000,000 and provides for interest on borrowings based on market
indices.  At June 30, 1997 the Company has $12,500,000 outstanding under
the line of credit.

4.  INCOME TAXES

     Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of (a) temporary
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for
financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax
purposes, (b) operating loss carryforwards and (c) a valuation
allowance.

     The valuation allowance relates principally to investment
writedowns recorded for financial reporting purposes, which have not
been recognized for income tax purposes, due to the uncertainty
associated with their realizability for income tax purposes.  Changes in
the valuation allowance for the six months ended June 30, 1997 reflect
the reduction in the deferred tax asset as of June 30, 1997.  The
Company's effective tax rates for the six months ended June 30, 1997 and
1996 were 31.3% and 34.2%, respectively.

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
         and Results of Operations

     General

     The Company operates principally in a single business segment with
two primary lines of business--individual annuities and individual life
insurance.  Premiums shown on the Company's consolidated financial
statements in accordance with GAAP consist of premiums received for
whole or term life insurance products, as well as that portion of the
Company's single premium immediate annuities which have life
contingencies.  With respect to that portion of single premium annuity
contracts without life contingencies, as well as single premium deferred
annuities and universal life insurance products, premiums collected by
the Company are not reported as premium revenues, but rather are
reported as additions to policyholder account balances.  With respect to
products that are accounted for as policyholder account balances,
revenues are recognized over time in the form of policy fee income,
surrender charges and mortality and other charges deducted from the
policyholder's account balance.  The Company's operating earnings are
derived primarily from these revenues, plus the Company's investment
results, including realized gains (losses), less interest credited,
benefits to policyholders and expenses.

     Certain costs related to the sale of new business are deferred as
"deferred policy acquisition costs" ("DAC") and amortized into expenses
in proportion to the recognition of earned revenues.  Costs deferred
include principally commissions, certain expenses of the policy issue
and underwriting departments and certain variable sales expenses.  Under
certain circumstances, DAC will be expensed earlier than originally
estimated, including those circumstances where the policy terminations
are higher than originally estimated with respect to certain annuity
products.  Most of the Company's annuity products have surrender charges
which are designed to discourage and mitigate the effect of early
terminations.  

     In June, 1997 the Insurance Company was notified that its A.M. Best
rating was reaffirmed at "A-(Excellent)."  During the second quarter of
1997, the Insurance Company was notified that its Standard & Poor's
claims-paying rating was upgraded from BBBq to Aq and that its Moody's
Investors Financial strength rating was upgraded from Baa3 to Baa2.

     Results of Operations

     Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 to Six Months Ended
June 30, 1996.

     Revenues

     Annuity Considerations and Life Insurance Premiums

     Total annuity considerations and life insurance premiums increased
to approximately $9.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 1997
from approximately $3.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 1996. 
Of this amount, annuity considerations increased to approximately $8.0
million for the six months ended June 30, 1997 from approximately $2.3
million for the six months ended June 30, 1996.  In accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, sales of single premium
deferred annuities are not reported as insurance revenues, but rather as
additions to policyholder account balances.  Sales of single premium
deferred annuities were approximately $50.6 million for the six months
ended June 30, 1997 compared to $30.8 million for the six months ended
June 30, 1996.  Management believes the increase in annuity
considerations is due to the successful expansion of our Marketing
Department.

     Policy Fee Income

     Universal life and investment type policy fee income was
approximately $956 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 1997, as
compared to approximately $991 thousand for the six months ended June
30, 1996.  Policy fee income consists principally of amounts assessed
during the period against policyholders' account balances for mortality
charges and surrender charges.

     Net Investment Income

     Net investment income totaled approximately $98.0 million for the
six months ended June 30, 1997, as compared to approximately $93.9
million for the six months ended June 30, 1996.  This represents an
increase of approximately 4.3%.  Investment income from "other invested
assets" totaled approximately $22.7 million during the first six months
of 1997, as compared to $17.3 million during the first six months of
1996.  The Company's ratio of net investment income to average cash and
invested assets less net investment income for the six months ended June
30, 1997 and June 30, 1996 were 9.47% and 8.7%, respectively.

     Realized Investment Gains and Losses

     Realized investment gains amounted to approximately $11.0 million
during the six months ended June 30, 1997, as compared to approximately
$9.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 1996.  Realized
investment gains were partially offset by realized investment losses of
approximately $2.1 million and $3.3 million for the six months ended
June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively attributable to other than
temporary impairments in the value of certain securities contained in
the Company's investment portfolio. There can be no assurance that the
Company's investment portfolio will yield comparable investment gains in
future periods.

     Other Income

     The increase in other income is the result of the settlement in the
second quarter of 1997 of the litigation with Fidelity Mutual Life
Insurance Company.

     Total Benefits and Expenses

     Total benefits and expenses for the six months ended June 30, 1997
aggregated approximately $80.0 million, as compared to approximately
$72.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 1996, an increase of
approximately 10.6%.  The reasons for this increase are discussed under
the respective components below.

     Interest Credited and Benefits to Policyholders

     Interest credited and benefits to policyholders aggregated
approximately $66.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 1997, as
compared to approximately $59.7 million for the six months ended June
30, 1996.  The increase is primarily attributable to the increase in the
liability for future policy benefits during the six months ended June
30, 1997 as a result of the increase in annuity considerations received
during the period.  As a result of the interest rate environment during
the second quarter of 1997, the Insurance Company increased its credited
rate of interest on its newly issued single premium deferred annuity
products and has increased rates overall on its other interest-sensitive
products. In addition, the renewal rates on existing policies were
increased on their respective renewal dates.

     The Insurance Company's average credited rate for reserves and
account balances for the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 were
less than the Company's ratio of net investment income to mean invested
assets for the same periods as noted above under "Net Investment
Income".  Although management does not currently expect material
declines in the spread between the Company's average credited rate for
reserves and account balances and the Company's ratio of net investment
income to mean assets (the "Spread"), there can be no assurance that the
Spread will not decline in future periods or that such decline will not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and
results of operations.  Depending, in part, upon competitive factors
affecting the industry in general, and the Company, in particular, the
Company may, from time to time, change the average credited rates on
certain of its products.  There can be no assurance that the Company will
reduce such rates or that any such reductions will broaden the Spread.

     Interest Expense on Notes Payable

     The interest expense on the Company's notes payable was
approximately $2.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 1997, as
compared to approximately $2.5 million for the six months ended June 30,
1996.  The increase is attributable to the increase in the Company's
short term note payable.  On May 6, 1997, Moody's Investors Service
upgraded the senior note from Ba2 to Ba1. 

     General Expenses, Taxes and Commissions

     General expenses, taxes and commissions to agents aggregated
approximately $9.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 1997, as
compared to approximately $8.2 million for the six months ended June 30,
1996, an increase of approximately 18.1%.  The increase principally is
attributable to higher commissions and selling expenses incurred in the
first six months of 1997 associated with the higher level of sales in
the first six months of 1997.  In addition, the Company incurred higher
guaranty fund assessments during the second quarter of 1997.

     Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

     Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs for the six months ended June 30,
1997 decreased approximately $1.0 million resulting in a charge of $842
thousand, as compared to a charge of approximately $1.9 million for the
six months ended June 30, 1996.  This change is primarily attributable
to an increase in the costs associated with new product sales which will
be deferred and amortized in proportion to the recognition of earned
revenue.

     Income Before Income Taxes

     For the reasons discussed above, income before income taxes
amounted to approximately $42.1 million for the six months ended June
30, 1997, as compared to approximately $37.5 million for the six months
ended June 30, 1996.

     Income Taxes

     Income tax expense was $13.2 million for the six months ended June
30, 1997 as compared to approximately $12.9 million for the six months
ended June 30, 1996.  The increase is primarily attributable to higher
income from operations and realized capital gains for the six months
ended June 30, 1997.

     Net Income

     For the reasons discussed above, the Company had net income of
approximately $28.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 1997,
as compared to net income of approximately $24.7 million during the six
months ended June 30, 1996.

     Liquidity and Capital Resources

     The Company is an insurance holding company and its primary uses of
cash are debt service obligations, operating expenses and dividend
payments.  The Company's principal sources of cash are dividends from
the Insurance Company, sales of and interest on its investments
(exclusive of those held by the Insurance Company) and rent from its
real estate.  During the second quarter of 1997, the Company's Board of
Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.05 per share payable
on July 1, 1997.  During the second quarter of 1997 the Company
purchased and retired 106,500 shares of common stock.  For the six
months ended June 30, 1997, the Company has purchased and retired
295,500 shares of common stock.  The Company is authorized to purchase
an additional 309,000 shares of common stock.

     The Insurance Company is subject to various regulatory restrictions
on the maximum amount of payments, including loans or cash advances,
that it may make to the Company without obtaining prior regulatory
approval.  As a New York domiciled insurance company, the Insurance
Company is subject to restrictions on the payment of dividends under New
York State law.  New York State law states that no domestic stock life
insurance company shall distribute any dividend to its shareholders
unless a notice of its intention to declare such dividend and the amount
thereof shall have been filed with the Superintendent of the New York
Insurance Department ("Superintendent") not less than 30 days in advance
of such proposed declaration.  The Superintendent may disapprove such
distribution by giving written notice to such company within 30 days
after such filing that he or she finds that the financial condition of
the company does not warrant such distribution.  The New York State
Insurance Department has established informal guidelines for the
Superintendent's findings which focus upon, among other things, the
overall financial condition and profitability of the insurer under
statutory accounting practices.  During the first six months of 1997,
the Insurance Company paid  dividends to the Company of $24.8 million. 
During the fiscal year 1996, the Insurance Company paid dividends of $15
million to the Company.

     Principal sources of funds at the Insurance Company are premiums
and other considerations paid, contract charges earned, net investment
income received and proceeds from investments called, redeemed or sold. 
The principal uses of these funds are the payment of benefits on annuity
contracts and life insurance policies (including withdrawals and
surrender payments), operating expenses and the purchase of investments. 
Net cash provided by the Company's operating activities (reflecting
principally: (i) premiums and contract charges collected less (ii)
benefits paid on life insurance and annuity products plus (iii) income
collected on invested assets less (iv) commissions and other general
expenses paid) was approximately $29.5 million and $26.5 million during
the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.  Net cash
provided by (used in) the Company's investing activities (principally
reflecting investments purchased less investments called, redeemed or
sold) was approximately $(33.3) million and $(24.3) million during the
six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

     For purposes of the Company's consolidated statements of cash
flows, financing activities relate primarily to sales and surrenders of
the Company's universal life insurance and annuity products.  The
payment of dividends by the Company also are considered to be a
financing activity.  Net cash provided by (used in) the Company's
financing activities amounted to approximately $3.2 million and $(4.7)
million during the six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.  This fluctuation primarily is attributable to the
increased activity in dollar roll repurchase agreements and amount
outstanding under the bank line of credit during the six months ended
June 30, 1997.

     The Company currently has one bank line of credit for $15 million
of which $12.5 million is used at June 30, 1997.

     The indenture governing the Senior Notes contains covenants
relating to limitations on additional indebtedness, restricted payments,
liens, sale or issuance of capital stock of the Insurance Company,
certain asset sales and the ability to engage in mergers or similar
transactions.  In the event the Company violates such covenants as
defined in the Indenture, the Company is obligated to repurchase 25% of
the outstanding principal amount of such notes.  Management believes
that the Company is in compliance with all of the covenants.  On May 6,
1997, Moody's Investors Service upgraded the senior note from Ba2 to
Ba1. 
 
     Given the Insurance Company's historic cash flow and current
financial results, management believes that for the next twelve months
and for the reasonably foreseeable future, the Insurance Company's cash
flow from operating activities will provide sufficient liquidity for the
operations of the Insurance Company, as well as provide sufficient funds
to the Company, so that the Company will be able to make dividend
payments, satisfy its debt service obligations and pay its other
operating expenses.

     To meet its anticipated liquidity requirements, the Company
purchases investments taking into account the anticipated future cash
flow requirements of its underlying liabilities.  In managing the
relationship between assets and liabilities, the Company analyzes the
cash flows necessary to correspond with the expected cash needs on the
underlying liabilities under various interest rate scenarios.  In
addition, the Company invests a portion of its total assets in short-term
investments (approximately 9.4% and 9.97% as of June 30, 1997 and
December 31, 1996, respectively).  The McCaulay's duration of the
Company's investment portfolio was approximately 5.5 years as of June
30, 1997.  The Company's fixed maturity investments are all classified
as available for sale and includes those securities available to be sold
in response to, among other things, changes in market interest rates,
changes in the security's prepayment risk, the Company's need for
liquidity and other similar factors.  Fixed maturity investments
available for sale represent investments which may be sold for various
reasons.  These investments are carried at market value and unrealized
gains and losses, net of the effects of amortization of deferred policy
acquisition costs and deferred federal income taxes, are charged
directly to shareholders' equity, unless a decline in market value is
considered to be other than temporary, in which event, the Company
recognizes a loss.  Equity securities include common stocks and
non-redeemable preferred stocks and are carried at market value, with
the related unrealized gains and losses, net of federal income taxes, if
any, charged directly to shareholders' equity, unless a decline in
market value is considered to be other than temporary, in which event,
the Company recognizes a loss.

     The Company maintains a portfolio which includes below investment
grade debt securities which were purchased to achieve a more favorable
investment yield all of which are classified as available for sale and
reported at fair value.  As of June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, the
carrying value of these securities was approximately $128.3 million and
$119.8 million, respectively, (representing approximately 5.2% and 5.0%,
respectively, of the Company's total assets and 28.8% and 28.5%
respectively, of shareholders' equity).

     The Insurance Company is subject to Regulation 130 adopted and
promulgated by the New York State Insurance Department ("NYSID").  Under
this Regulation, the Insurance Company's ownership of below investment
grade debt securities is limited to 20.0% of total admitted assets, as
calculated under statutory accounting practices.  As of June 30, 1997
and December 31, 1996, approximately 4.9% and 5.4%, respectively of the
Insurance Company's total admitted assets were invested in below
investment grade debt securities.

     Management expects that (primarily as a result of calls,
redemptions and repayments) the percentage of the Company's portfolio
invested in below investment grade debt securities will decline over
time.  No new below investment grade debt investments have been made
since the first quarter of fiscal 1990, but some investment grade
corporate securities have been downgraded.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Company's investment policies may change from time to
time in response to market and other conditions.

     Investments in below investment grade debt securities have
different risks than investments in corporate debt securities rated
investment grade.  Risk of loss upon default by the borrower is
significantly greater with respect to below investment grade debt
securities because below investment grade debt securities generally are
unsecured and often are subordinated to other creditors of the issuer.
Also, issuers of below investment grade debt securities usually have
high levels of indebtedness and often are more sensitive to adverse
economic conditions, such as recession or increasing interest rates,
than are investment grade issuers. Typically, there is only a thinly
traded market for such securities and recent market quotations may not
be available for some of these securities.  Market quotes generally are
available only from a limited number of dealers and may not represent
firm bids of such dealers or prices for actual sales.  The Company attempts
to reduce the overall risk in its below investment grade portfolio, as in
all of its investments, through careful credit analysis, investment policy
limitations, and diversification by company and by industry.

     As of June 30, 1997, approximately 8.6% of the Company's total
invested assets were invested in limited partnerships.  Such investments
are included in the Company's consolidated balance sheet under the
heading "Other invested assets."  See "Note 1C to the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements."  The Company is committed, if called
upon during a specified period, to contribute an aggregate of
approximately $94.4 million of additional capital to certain of these
limited partnerships.  However, management does not expect the entire
amount to be drawn down as certain of these limited partnerships are
nearing the end of the period during which investors are required to
make contributions.  The Company may make selective investments in
additional limited partnerships as opportunities arise.  Pursuant to
NYSDI regulations, the Company's investments in equity securities,
including limited partnership interests, may not exceed 20% of the
Company's total invested assets.  Interests held by the Company in
limited partnerships usually are not registered with the Commission and
typically are illiquid.  In addition, there can be no assurance that the
Company will continue to achieve the same level of returns on its
investments in limited partnerships as it has historically or that the
Company will achieve any returns on such investments at all.  Further,
there can be no assurance that the Company will receive a return of all
or any portion of its current or future capital investments in 
limited partnerships.  The failure of the Company to receive the return
of a material portion of its capital investments in limited
partnerships, or to achieve historic levels of return on such
investments, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition and results of operations.

     As previously discussed, during the first and second quarters of
fiscal 1997 and in fiscal 1996, the Company participated in "dollar
roll" repurchase agreements. Amounts outstanding to repurchase
securities under such agreements were $206.0 million and $200.9 at June
30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively.  The Company may engage in
selected "dollar roll" transactions as market opportunities arise.

     As part of a proposed rehabilitation plan for Fidelity Mutual Life
Insurance Company ("Fidelity"), on January 11, 1995 the Insurance
Company signed a definitive purchase agreement with the Pennsylvania
Insurance Commissioner and Fidelity to invest up to $45 million for a
minority (49.9%) interest in a Fidelity subsidiary insurance holding
company.  In addition, the Company had agreed to purchase $25 million of
Senior Notes of such company.  The Company was informed by the
Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner, that in response to the significant
improvement in the invested assets of Fidelity, she has reopened the
process to select an equity investor for the recapitalization and
rehabilitation of Fidelity.  The Company disagreed with the
Commissioner's actions and commenced litigation which was settled in the
second quarter of 1997.  As part of the settlement, the Company received
$1.7 million.

     All 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia and
Puerto Rico have insurance guaranty fund laws requiring all life
insurance companies doing business within the jurisdictions to
participate in guaranty associations, which are organized to pay
contractual obligations under insurance policies (and certificates
issued under group insurance policies) issued by impaired or insolvent
life insurance companies.  These associations levy assessments (up to
prescribed limits) on all member insurers in a particular state on the
basis of the proportionate share of the premiums written by member
insurers in the lines of business in which the impaired or insolvent
insurer is engaged.  Some states permit member insurers to recover
assessments paid through full or partial premium tax offsets.  These
assessments may be deferred or forgiven under most guaranty laws if they
would threaten an insurer's solvency.  The amount of these assessments
in prior years has not been material, however, the amount and timing of
any future assessment on the Insurance Company under these laws cannot
be reasonably estimated and are beyond the control of the Company and
the Insurance Company.  Recent failures of substantially larger
insurance companies could result in future assessments in material
amounts.

     Effects of Inflation and Interest Rate Changes

     Management does not believe that inflation has had a material
adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations.  The
Company manages its investment portfolio in part to reduce its exposure
to interest rate fluctuations.  In general, the market value of the
Company's fixed maturity portfolio increases or decreases in 
an inverse relationship with fluctuations in interest rates, and the
Company's net investment income increases or decreases in direct
relationship with interest rate changes.  For example, if interest rates
decline, the Company's fixed maturity investments generally will
increase in market value, while net investment income will decrease as
fixed income investments mature or are sold and proceeds are reinvested
at the declining rates, and vice versa.  Management is aware that
prevailing market interest rates frequently shift and, accordingly, the
Company has adopted strategies which are designed to address either an
increase or decrease in prevailing rates.  In a rising interest rate
environment, the Company's average cost of funds would be expected to
increase over time as it prices its new and renewing annuities to
maintain a generally competitive market rate.  Concurrently, the Company
would attempt to place new funds in investments which were matched in
duration to, and higher yielding than, the liabilities assumed. 
Management believes that liquidity necessary to fund withdrawals would
be available through income, cash flow, the Company's cash reserves or
from the sale of short-term investments.  In a declining interest rate
environment, the Company's cost of funds would be expected to decrease
over time, reflecting lower interest crediting rates on its fixed
annuities.  Should increased liquidity be required for withdrawals,
management believes that the Company's investments which are designated
as available for sale in the Company's consolidated balance sheet could
be sold without materially adverse consequences in light of the general
strengthening which would be expected in the fixed maturity security market.

     Interest rate changes also may have temporary effects on the sale
and profitability of the universal life and annuity products offered by
the Company.  For example, if interest rates rise, competing investments
(such as annuity or life insurance products offered by the Company's
competitors, certificates of deposit, mutual funds and similar
instruments) may become more attractive to potential purchasers of the
Company's products until the Company increases the rates credited to
holders of its universal life and annuity products.  In contrast, as
interest rates fall, the Company attempts to lower its credited rates to
compensate for the corresponding decline in its net investment income. 
As a result, changes in interest rates could materially adversely effect
the financial condition and results of operations of the Company
depending on the attractiveness of alternative investments available to
the Company's customers.  In that regard, in the current interest rate
environment, the Company has attempted to maintain its credited rates at
competitive levels which are designed to discourage surrenders and which
may be considered attractive to purchasers of new annuity products.  In
addition, because the level of prevailing interest rates impacts the
Company as well as its competition, management does not believe that the
current interest rate environment has materially affected the Company's
competitive position vis a vis other life insurance companies that
emphasize the sale of annuity products.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,
if interest rates continue at current levels or decline further, there
can be no assurance that this segment of the life insurance industry,
including the Company, would not experience increased levels of
surrenders and reduced sales and thereby be materially adversely affected.

     Recent Accounting Pronouncements

     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 125,
"Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and
Extinguishments of Liabilities", was issued in June of 1996 and requires
adoption not later than fiscal years that begin after December 31, 1996. 
SFAS 125 establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for
transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities.

     In December 1996, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
issued SFAS No. 127, "Deferral of the Effective Date of Certain
Provisions of FASB Statement No. 125".  SFAS No. 127 amends SFAS No. 125
by deferring for one year the effective date of paragraph 15 of SFAS No.
125, addressing secured borrowings and collateral, and for repurchase
agreement, dollar roll, security lending and similar transactions, of
paragraphs 9 through 12 and 237(b) of SFAS No. 125.  Management is
evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 125 and 127 on the Company.


                      PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

     From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation relating
to claims arising out of its operations in the normal course of
business.  As of August 11, 1997, the Company is not a party to any
legal proceedings, the adverse outcome of which, in management's
opinion, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
     

Item 2.  Changes in Securities

          None

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

          None

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

          None

Item 5.  Other Information

          None 
  
Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

          a)  Exhibits

               None

          b)  Reports on Form 8-K

               During the quarter ended June 30, 1997, the Company did
not file a current report on Form 8-K.

 
                    PRESIDENTIAL LIFE CORPORATION
                            JUNE 30, 1997


                            SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


                                 Presidential Life Corporation    
                                        (Registrant)


Date:  August 11, 1997           /s/ Herbert Kurz  
                                 Herbert Kurz, President and Duly
                                 Authorized Officer of the Registrant

Date:  August 11, 1997           /s/ Michael V. Oporto 
                                 Michael V. Oporto, Principal
                                 Accounting Officer of the Registrant