Liquefaction of an Egyptian coal collected from Al Maghara coalfield in the northern Sinai has been carried out using hydrogenated anthracene oil in a stirred autoclave. The solvent, coal solution and light distillate product were characterized by gas chromatography, including simulated distillation. The extraction yield from the coal was 98.9% (dmmf), indicating that the organic matter was almost entirely soluble in the hydrogen donor solvents. The proportion of desirable light distillates in the extract was much higher than average, and the upgrading potential of the heavier components is likely to be good, with a small hydrogen demand. The sulphur content of the extract was very low. Pyrite in the coal is considered to have a beneficial catalytic effect on extraction.