Anthracite CAN be used for forging, that is what I use because I get it free. It does however come with some drawbacks.
1. Very Stinky
2 Clinkers
3. If it is Top Seam coal, it can actually add scale to your project.
If it is free, I would give it a shot, Anthracite varies from vein to vein. You could take a small bucket home and give it a shot.
Mine is #2 Stinkohantas, other than smell and clinkers, it does coke off and produce more than enough heat. It is a bear to forge weld with, due to the impurities in it, but it can be done, it will however soil a damascus bar before you can get a good stick.
If it has been kept dry it should be fine, you could always give some to your friends who have no coal, or stuff childrens stockings at Christmas.