A process for converting coal to liquid hydrocarbonaceous products involving a liquefaction reaction in the presence of a coal derived recycle slurry and a non-coal derived solvent comprising a hydrocarbonaceous oil or distillation bottom residue thereof intrinsically contaminated with greater than 300 ppm total of vanadium and nickel. The liquefaction reaction is performed under hydrogen pressure (approximately 500-4000 psi) and under elevated temperature (approximately 300.degree.-500.degree. C.) using a weight ratio of non-coal derived solvent to coal of about 1/1 or less. The conversion of coal to liquids is greatly enhanced by the use of such a non-coal derived solvent under these conditions.