ANTHRACITE CAPITAL INC
POS AM, 2000-02-04
MORTGAGE BANKERS & LOAN CORRESPONDENTS
Previous: BOMBARDIER CAPITAL MORTGAGE SECURITIZATION CORP, 8-K, 2000-02-04
Next: ENERGYSOUTH INC, SC 13G/A, 2000-02-04



<PAGE>

   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 3, 2000.


                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-75473

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                           --------------------------

                                 POST-EFFECTIVE
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-3


                          REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                           --------------------------

                            ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC.
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

                                    MARYLAND
                        (State or other jurisdiction of
                         incorporation or organization)

                                   13-3978906
                      (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
                           --------------------------

                          345 PARK AVENUE, 29TH FLOOR
                               NEW YORK, NY 10154
                                 (212) 754-5560
    (Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code,
               of each Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)
                           --------------------------

                                 HUGH R. FRATER
                                   PRESIDENT
                            ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC.
                          345 PARK AVENUE, 29TH FLOOR
                               NEW YORK, NY 10154
                                 (212) 754-5560

           (Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
                   Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)

                                    COPY TO:
                            VINCENT J. PISANO, ESQ.
                    SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM LLP
                                919 THIRD AVENUE
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
                                 (212) 735-3000
                           --------------------------

        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
   FROM TIME TO TIME AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT.

    If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following
box. / /

    If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. /X/

    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. / /


    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / /


    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box: / /
                           --------------------------


                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE



    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED FEBRUARY 3, 2000


PROSPECTUS

THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE OR THE
SELLING SHAREHOLDER MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS
PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN
OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT
PERMITTED.

<PAGE>
                                  $200,000,000
                            ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC.

          COMMON STOCK, PREFERRED STOCK, DEBT SECURITIES AND WARRANTS


                       1,200,000 SHARES OF 10.5% SERIES A
            SENIOR CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK


                            ------------------------


Anthracite Capital, Inc. may sell to the public up to $166,700,000 of:


    - common stock

    - preferred stock

    - debt securities

    - warrants to purchase common stock

    - warrants to purchase preferred stock


    The selling shareholder may sell to the public up to 1,200,000 shares of our
10.5% Series A Senior Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock or
common stock into which it is convertible.



    REFERENCES IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO
"ANTHRACITE," "WE," "US," OR "OUR" REFER TO ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC. REFERENCES
IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO THE "SELLING
SHAREHOLDER" REFER TO RECP II ANTHRACITE, LLC.


    WE URGE YOU TO READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT, WHICH WILL DESCRIBE THE SPECIFIC TERMS OF THE COMMON STOCK, THE
PREFERRED STOCK, THE DEBT SECURITIES AND THE WARRANTS, CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU MAKE
YOUR INVESTMENT DECISION.

                            ------------------------


    We are paying the costs of preparing and filing the registration statement
of which this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement form a part.


    NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS
PROSPECTUS OR THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE.
ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

                            ------------------------

    THIS PROSPECTUS MAY NOT BE USED TO SELL SECURITIES UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.


                The date of this prospectus is February 3, 2000

<PAGE>
                             ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS


    This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission using a "shelf" registration process. Under
this shelf process, we or the selling shareholder may sell any combination of
the securities described in this prospectus in one of more offerings up to a
total dollar amount of proceeds of $200,000,000. This prospectus provides you
with a general description of the securities we or the selling shareholder may
offer. Each time we or the selling shareholder sell securities, we or the
selling shareholder will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain
specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement
may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You
should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with
additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More
Information."


                      WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

    We file reports, proxy statements, and other information with the SEC. Such
reports, proxy statements, and other information concerning us can be read and
copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the
Public Reference Room. The SEC maintains an internet site at http://www.sec.gov
that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including ours. Our
common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange. These reports,
proxy statements and other information are also available for inspection at the
offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

    This prospectus is part of a registration statement filed with the SEC by
us. The full registration statement can be obtained from the SEC as indicated
above, or from us.

    The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with
the SEC. This permits us to disclose important information to you by referencing
these filed documents. Any information referenced this way is considered part of
this prospectus, and any information filed with the SEC subsequent to this
prospectus will automatically be deemed to update and supersede this
information. We incorporate by reference the following documents which have been
filed with the SEC:


    - Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period from March 24, 1998
      (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1998,



    - Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31,
      1999, June 30, 1999 and September 30, 1999,



    - Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 2, 1999 and


    - the description of our common stock contained in our registration
      statement on Form 8-A dated March 5, 1998.

    We incorporate by reference the documents listed above and any future
filings made with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act of 1934 from the date of this prospectus until we file a
post-effective amendment which indicates the termination of the offering of the
securities made by this prospectus.


    Any statement contained in a document incorporated or considered to be
incorporated by reference in this prospectus shall be considered to be modified
or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement
contained in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement or in any subsequently
filed document that is or is considered to be incorporated by reference modifies
or supersedes the statement. Any statement that is so modified or superseded
shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part
of this prospectus.


    We will provide without charge upon written or oral request, a copy of any
or all of the documents which are incorporated by reference to this prospectus,
other than exhibits which are specifically

                                       2
<PAGE>
incorporated by reference into such documents. You may direct your requests to
Investor Relations, Anthracite Capital, Inc., 345 Park Avenue, 29th Floor, New
York, New York 10154 (telephone number (212) 409-3333).

           CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


    Some statements contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or
any prospectus supplement constitute forward-looking statements as such term is
defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange
Act. Some factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in
the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a material
difference include, but are not limited to:


    (a) changes in the general economic climate,

    (b) termination of the management agreement,

    (c) interest rate fluctuations,

    (d) our failure to qualify as a REIT and

    (e) general competitive factors.

                    ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC. AND THE MANAGER

    Anthracite Capital, Inc., a Maryland corporation, was formed in
November 1997 to invest in multifamily, commercial and residential mortgage
loans, mortgage-backed securities and other real estate related assets in both
U.S. and non-U.S. markets. We have elected to be taxed as a real estate
investment trust under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and we
will generally not be subject to Federal income tax to the extent that we
distribute our net income to our stockholders and qualify for taxation as a
REIT. Our operations are managed by BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. which
is referred to in this prospectus as the Manager. We have no ownership interest
in the Manager.

    The Manager is a subsidiary of PNC Bank, National Association, which is
itself a wholly owned subsidiary of PNC Bank Corp. Established in 1988, the
Manager is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of
1940 and is one of the largest fixed-income investment management firms in the
United States. The Manager engages in investment and risk management as its sole
businesses and specializes in the management of domestic and offshore
fixed-income assets for pension and profit sharing plans, financial institutions
such as banking and insurance companies and mutual funds for retail and
institutional investors.

    The address of the Manager is 345 Park Avenue, 29(th) Floor, New York, New
York 10154.

                                USE OF PROCEEDS


    Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use the
proceeds of any securities sold by us for general corporate purposes, including
acquisitions. We will not receive any of the proceeds of sales by the selling
shareholder.


                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

    The following table displays our ratio of earnings to fixed charges.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               FOR THE PERIOD
                                                               MARCH 24, 1998        NINE MONTHS
                                                                   THROUGH              ENDED
                                                              DECEMBER 31, 1998   SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
                                                              -----------------   ------------------
<S>                                                           <C>                 <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges..........................        0.94x                2.41x
</TABLE>


                                       3
<PAGE>

    Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges (loss of $1.4 million) for
the period from March 24, 1998 (commencement of operations) to December 31,
1998. The additional earnings required to pay fixed charges is $45,000. The loss
included a non-recurring realized loss primarily from the sale of securities, of
$18.44 million. Excluding the non-recurring loss, the ratio of earnings to fixed
charges would have been 1.72x. Earnings were adequate to cover fixed charges for
the nine months ended September 30, 1999.


                           DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

    This prospectus contains a summary of the common stock, preferred stock,
debt securities and warrants to purchase our common stock or preferred stock.
These summaries are not meant to be a complete description of each security.
However, this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement contain the
material terms and conditions for each security.

                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK


    Our authorized capital stock consists of 500,000,000 shares of capital
stock, 400,000,000 of such shares being common stock, par value $.001 per share,
and 100,000,000 shares being preferred stock, par value $.001 per share,
issuable in one or more series. 20,961,534 shares of common stock were issued
and outstanding as of December 31, 1999. 1,200,000 shares of preferred stock
were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 1999. No warrants to purchase
either common stock or preferred stock were issued or outstanding as of
December 31, 1999. 4,081,633 shares of our common stock have been reserved for
issuance upon conversion of our 10.5% Series A Cumulative Convertible Redeemable
Preferred Stock.


COMMON STOCK


    VOTING RIGHTS.  Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each
share held on all matters to be voted upon by our stockholders, subject to the
provisions of our charter regarding the ownership of shares of common stock in
excess of the ownership limitations described below under "Repurchase of Shares
and Restrictions on Transfer."


    DIVIDENDS.  The holders of outstanding shares of common stock, subject to
any preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding series of preferred
stock, are entitled to receive ratably such dividends out of assets legally
available for that purpose at such times and in such amounts as the board of
directors may from time to time determine.

    LIQUIDATION AND DISSOLUTION.  Upon liquidation or dissolution of Anthracite,
the holders of the common stock will be entitled to share ratably in our assets
legally available for distribution to stockholders after payment of, or
provision for, all known debts and liabilities and subject to the prior rights
of any holders of any preferred stock then outstanding.

    OTHER RIGHTS.  Holders of the common stock generally have equal dividend,
distribution, liquidation and other rights, and shall have no preference,
conversion, exchange, appraisal, preemptive or cumulative voting rights. All
outstanding shares of the common stock are, and any common shares offered by a
prospectus supplement, when issued, will be, duly authorized, fully paid and
non-assessable by Anthracite.

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

    The Bank of New York acts as transfer agent and registrar for the common
stock.

PREFERRED STOCK


    GENERAL.  We are authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
1,200,000 shares of which are currently issued and outstanding. Our board of
directors has the authority, without further action by the stockholders, to
issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the number of
shares, dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights,
liquidation


                                       4
<PAGE>

preferences, sinking funds, and any other rights, preferences, privileges and
restrictions applicable to each such series of preferred stock. The issuance of
preferred stock could have the effect of making an attempt to gain control of us
more difficult by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise.
The preferred stock would have or, in the case of issued and outstanding
preferred stock, has, a preference on dividend payments that could affect our
ability to make dividend distributions to the common stockholders. The preferred
stock will, when issued, be, and in the case of the issued and outstanding
preferred stock, is, duly authorized, fully paid and non-assessable by
Anthracite.



    10.5% SERIES A SENIOR CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE REDEEMABLE PREFERRED
STOCK.  The following description is merely a summary of terms and is qualified
by reference to our articles supplementary attached as an exhibit 4.5 to the
registration statement filed with the SEC and of which this prospectus forms a
part. We issued 1,200,000 shares of preferred stock designated as 10.5% Series A
Senior Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock on December 2, 1999.
The shares of the Series A preferred stock rank prior to all shares of any other
class or series of capital stock of Anthracite, unless such other class or
series by its terms ranks senior to the shares of the Series A preferred stock,
with respect to voting powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional
and other special rights of the shares.



    Voting Rights.  Holders of shares of the Series A preferred stock are
entitled to vote as a single class with the common stockholders and are entitled
to the number of votes per share on each matter submitted to a vote of common
stockholders equal to the number of whole shares of common stock into which the
Series A preferred stock is convertible.



    Dividends.  Holders of Series A preferred stock are entitled to receive
dividends payable in cash on each share of Series A preferred stock in an amount
per annum equal to $2.625. Dividends are cumulative, whether or not declared,
and payable quarterly in arrears on each January 5, April 5, July 5 and October
5. All unpaid dividends compound on a quarterly basis at a rate of 10.5% per
annum and commenced to accrue on the date of issuance, December 2, 1999.



    Liquidation and Dissolution.  Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of Anthracite, the holders of the shares of Series A preferred stock are
entitled to receive, before any distribution or payment is made on any shares of
any class or series of the capital stock of Anthracite ranking junior to the
Series A preferred stock, a per share amount equal to the sum of $27.75 and an
amount equal to all accrued but unpaid dividends thereon and unpaid interest,
computed up to the date that payment thereof is made available.



    Conversion.  Holders are entitled to convert shares of the Series A
preferred stock at any time after the date of issuance. The conversion price per
share is equal to $7.35 per share, subject to adjustment from time to time
including upon certain issuances by us of common stock at less than its current
market price, stock splits or reverse stock splits, stock dividends, or a merger
or sale of substantially all of our assets. Each share of Series A preferred
stock is convertible into the number of shares of common stock determined by
dividing $25.00 by the applicable conversion price. Beginning on December 2,
2002, each outstanding share of the Series A preferred stock will be converted
automatically into shares of common stock upon the closing of a public offering
of our common stock in which the aggregate offering price is not less than $10
million and the offering price per share is at least 150% of the then applicable
conversion price at which the Series A preferred stock may be converted into
common stock.



    Redemption.  At any time after December 2, 2002, we are entitled to redeem
all but not less than all outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock, at a
redemption price per share payable in cash equal to $27.75 per share, plus
accrued but unpaid dividends thereon and unpaid interest to the date fixed for
redemption PROVIDED, that the average closing price per share of our common
stock for the 90 days immediately prior to the date of redemption is at least
150% of the applicable conversion price on the date of redemption. On
December 2, 2006 and at any time thereafter, each preferred stockholder is
entitled to cause us to redeem all of its shares of Series A preferred stock
then outstanding, at a


                                       5
<PAGE>

redemption price per share payable in cash equal to $27.75 per share, plus
accrued but unpaid dividends thereon and unpaid interest to the date fixed for
redemption. Upon the occurrence of a change of control of Anthracite, including
a change in the Manager or a sale of all or substantially all of our assets,
each preferred stockholder is entitled to require us to purchase for cash all or
a portion of such holder's Series A preferred stock, at a redemption price per
share payable in cash equal to $27.75 per share, plus accrued but unpaid
dividends thereon and unpaid interest to the date fixed for redemption. In the
event that we fail to comply with any of the covenants made by us in our charter
to the holders of Series A preferred stock, as described below under the heading
"--Covenants," for a period of 150 days following a notice of breach, each
holder of shares of Series A preferred stock has the right to cause us, to
redeem all of that holder's shares of Series A preferred stock at a redemption
price equal to $30.525 per share plus all accrued but unpaid dividends.



    Board Representation.  The holders of the Series A preferred stock have the
exclusive right to nominate and elect one member of our board of directors at
any annual or special meeting of our stockholders. If we fail, (1) to pay in
full two consecutive dividends, or (2) to redeem shares of the Series A
preferred stock upon the redeeming holder's election, then the holders of the
Series A preferred stock are entitled to elect a majority of the members of our
board of directors at any annual or special meeting of stockholders until (1)
all such distributions have been declared and paid or set aside for payment or
(2) all shares to be redeemed have been redeemed in full.



    Covenants.  We may not, among other things, without the consent of the
holders of a majority of the shares of Series A preferred stock, (1) issue any
class or series of equity security ranking senior to or on a parity with the
Series A preferred stock, (2) amend our charter or bylaws in any manner which
would materially impair or reduce the rights of the holders of the Series A
preferred stock, (3) make any single investment or series of related investments
in an amount exceeding $50 million in market value (other than investments in
investment grade assets), or (4) acquire or merge with or into or consolidate
with another entity, the value of whose common stock equity is greater than $50
million. Additionally, we must maintain a ratio of indebtedness to book net
worth which does not exceed certain limitations as set forth in our articles
supplementary.



    Preemptive Rights.  The holders of shares of Series A preferred stock have
the option to purchase a portion of any new equity securities offered by
Anthracite, other than securities issued in a public offering or to employees of
the Manager pursuant to our compensatory stock option plans at the same price
per share and upon the same terms as the new equity securities are offered to
third parties. Each holder of shares of Series A preferred stock has the right
to purchase that number of the offered new equity securities that is equal to
the number of offered securities multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of
which is the number of shares of our common stock plus all shares of common
stock issuable upon conversion of our convertible securities (including the
Series A preferred stock) then held by the holder and the denominator of which
is the aggregate number of shares of our common stock outstanding plus all
shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of our convertible
securities.



    Right of First Refusal.  We have a right of first refusal with respect to
the sale of any Series A preferred stock.


DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

    We may issue warrants for the purchase of preferred stock or common stock.
Warrants may be issued independently or together with any offered securities and
may be attached to or separate from such securities. Each series of warrants
will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between a
warrant agent specified in the agreement and us. The warrant agent will act
solely as our agent in connection with the warrants of that series and will not
assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders
or beneficial owners of warrants.

                                       6
<PAGE>
    The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms,
where applicable, of the warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being
delivered:

    - the title of the warrants;

    - the aggregate number of the warrants;

    - the price or prices at which the warrants will be issued;

    - the currencies in which the price or prices of the warrants may be
      payable;

    - the designation, amount and terms of the offered securities purchasable
      upon exercise of the warrants;

    - the designation and terms of the other offered securities, if any, with
      which the warrants are issued and the number of the warrants issued with
      the security;

    - if applicable, the date on and after which the warrants and the offered
      securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants will be separately
      transferable;

    - the price or prices at which and currency or currencies in which the
      offered securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants may be
      purchased;

    - the date on which the right to exercise the warrants shall commence and
      the date on which the right shall expire;

    - the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants which may be exercised at
      any one time;

    - information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

    - if appropriate, a discussion of Federal income tax consequences; and

    - any other material terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and
      limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants.

REPURCHASE OF SHARES AND RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER

    Two of the requirements for qualification as a real estate investment trust
are that

(1) during the last half of each taxable year for which a REIT election is made,
    other than the first taxable year for which a REIT election is made, not
    more than 50% in value of the outstanding shares may be owned directly or
    indirectly by five or fewer individuals. This requirement is known as the
    "5/50 Rule"; and

(2) there must be at least 100 stockholders on 335 days of each taxable year of
    12 months, other than the first taxable year for which a REIT election is
    made.

    To assist us in meeting these requirements, the charter prohibits any person
from acquiring or holding, directly or indirectly, in excess of 9.8%, in value
or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the number of our
outstanding shares of common stock or any class of preferred stock. For this
purpose, the term "ownership" is defined in accordance with the REIT Provisions
of the Internal Revenue Code and the constructive ownership provisions of
Section 544 of the Internal Revenue Code, as modified by Section 856(h)(1)(B) of
the Internal Revenue Code. Subject to certain limitations, our board of
directors may modify the ownership limitations provided such action does not
affect our qualification as a REIT.

    For purposes of the 5/50 Rule, the constructive ownership provisions
applicable under Section 544 of the Internal Revenue Code

(1) attribute ownership of securities owned by a corporation, partnership,
    estate or trust proportionately to its stockholders, partners or
    beneficiaries,

(2) attribute ownership of securities owned by certain family members to other
    members of the same family, and

(3) treat securities with respect to which a person has an option to purchase as
    actually owned by that person.

                                       7
<PAGE>
    These rules will be applied in determining whether a person holds shares of
common stock or preferred stock in violation of the ownership limitations
specified in the articles of amendment and restatement. Accordingly, under
certain circumstances, shares of common stock or preferred stock owned by a
person who individually owns less than 9.8% of the shares outstanding may
nevertheless be in violation of the ownership limitations specified in the
charter. Ownership of shares of common stock through such attribution is
generally referred to as constructive ownership. The 100 stockholder test is
determined by actual, and not constructive, ownership.

    The articles of amendment and restatement further provide that if any
transfer of shares of common stock which, if effective, would

(1) result in any person beneficially or constructively owning shares of common
    stock in excess or in violation of the 9.8% ownership limitations described
    above,

(2) result in our stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons,
    determined without reference to any rules of attribution, or

(3) result in us being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Internal
    Revenue Code,

then that number of shares of common or preferred stock the beneficial or
constructive ownership of which otherwise would cause such person to violate
such limitations, rounded to the nearest whole shares, shall be automatically
transferred to a trustee as trustee of a trust for the exclusive benefit of one
or more charitable beneficiaries, and the intended transferee shall not acquire
any rights in such shares. Shares of common or preferred stock held by the
trustee shall be issued and outstanding shares of common or preferred stock. The
intended transferee shall not benefit economically from owning any shares held
in the trust, shall have no rights to dividends, and shall possess no rights to
vote or other rights attributable to the shares held in the trust. The trustee
shall have all voting rights and rights to dividends or other distributions with
respect to shares held in the trust, which will be exercised for the exclusive
benefit of the charitable beneficiary. Any dividend or other distribution paid
to the intended transferee before our discovery that shares of common or
preferred stock have been transferred to the trustee shall be paid with respect
to such shares to the trustee by the intended transferee upon demand and any
dividend or other distribution authorized but unpaid shall be paid to the
trustee. Our board of directors may, in its discretion, modify these
restrictions on owning shares in excess of the ownership limitations, to the
extent such modifications do not affect our qualification as a REIT.

    Within 20 days of receiving notice from us that shares of common or
preferred stock have been transferred to the trust, the trustee shall sell the
shares held in the trust to a person, designated by the trustee, whose ownership
of the shares will not violate the ownership limitations specified in the
charter. Upon such sale, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the
shares sold shall terminate and the trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of
the sale to the intended transferee and to the charitable beneficiary as
follows: The intended transferee shall receive the lesser of (1) the price paid
by the intended transferee for the shares or, if the intended transferee did not
give value for the shares in connection with the event causing the shares to be
held in the trust, e.g., in the case of a gift, devise or other such
transaction, the market price, as defined below, of the shares on the day of the
event causing the shares to be held in the trust, and (2) the price per share
received by the trustee from the sale or other disposition of the shares held in
the trust. Any net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the
intended transferee shall be immediately paid to the charitable beneficiary. In
addition, shares of common or preferred stock transferred to the trustee shall
be deemed to have been offered for sale to us, or our designee, at a price per
share equal to the lesser of (1) the price per share in the transaction that
resulted in such transfer to the trust or, in the case of a devise or gift, the
market price at the time of such devise or gift, and (2) the market price on the
date we, or our designee, accept such offer. We shall have the right to accept
such offer until the trustee has sold shares held in the trust. Upon such a sale
to us, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold shall
terminate and the trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the
intended transferee.

                                       8
<PAGE>
    The term "market price" on any date shall mean, with respect to any class or
series of outstanding shares of our stock, the closing price, as defined below,
for such shares on such date. The "closing price" on any date shall mean the
last sale price for such shares, regular way, or, in case no such sale takes
place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way,
for such shares, in either case as reported in the principal consolidated
transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed or admitted to
trading on the New York Stock Exchange or, if such shares are not listed or
admitted to trading on the New York Stock Exchange, as reported on the principal
consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed on
the principal national securities exchange on which such shares are listed or
admitted to trading or, if such shares are not listed or admitted to trading on
any national securities exchange, the last quoted price, or, if not so quoted,
the average of the high bid and low asked prices in the over-the-counter market,
as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., Automated
Quotation Systems, or, if such system is no longer in use, the principal other
automated quotation system that may then be in use or, if such shares are not
quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing bid and asked prices
as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in such shares
selected by our board of directors or, in the event that no trading price is
available for such shares, the fair market value of the shares, as determined in
good faith by our board of directors.

    Every owner of more than 5%, or such lower percentage as required by the
Internal Revenue Code or the regulations promulgated under the Internal Revenue
Code, of the outstanding shares or any class or series of our stock, within
30 days after the end of each taxable year, is required to give written notice
to us stating the name and address of such owner, the number of shares of each
class and series of our stock beneficially owned and a description of the manner
in which such shares are held. Each owner of more than 5% shall provide to us
additional information as we may request in order to determine the effect, if
any, of such beneficial ownership on our qualification as a REIT and to ensure
compliance with the ownership limitations.

MATERIAL PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS

    The following is a summary of the material provisions of the Maryland
General Corporation Law, as amended from time to time, and of our charter and
bylaws. It does not restate the material provisions completely. We urge you to
read our charter and bylaws, copies of which are incorporated by reference into
the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See "Where You
Can Find More Information." For a description of additional restrictions on
transfer of the common stock, see "Description of Capital Stock--Repurchase of
Shares and Restrictions on Transfer."

REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS


    The charter provides that a director may be removed from office at any time
for cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
votes of the shares entitled to be cast in the election of directors. However,
the director elected by the holders of our Series A preferred stock may be
removed at any time with or without cause by the holders of a majority of shares
of our Series A preferred stock.


STAGGERED BOARD

    The charter and bylaws divide the board of directors into three classes of
directors, each class constituting approximately one-third of the total number
of directors, with the classes serving staggered three-year terms. The
classification of the board of directors will make it more difficult for
stockholders to change the composition of the board of directors because only a
minority of the directors can be elected at any one time. The classification
provisions could also discourage a third party from accumulating our stock or
attempting to obtain control of us, even though this attempt might be beneficial
to us and some, or a majority, of our stockholders. Accordingly, under certain
circumstances stockholders could be deprived of opportunities to sell their
shares of common stock or preferred stock at a higher price than might otherwise
be available.

                                       9
<PAGE>
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

    Under the MGCL, certain "business combinations" including a merger,
consolidation, share exchange or, in some circumstances, an asset transfer or
issuance or reclassification of equity securities, between a Maryland
corporation and an "interested stockholder" or an affiliate of an interested
stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which
the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. An interested
stockholder is defined in the MGCL as any person who beneficially owns 10% or
more of the voting power of the corporation's shares or an affiliate of the
corporation who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in
question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the
then outstanding voting stock of the corporation. During the five year period,
any applicable business combination must be recommended by the board of
directors of that corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least

    (a) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of
       voting stock of the corporation and


    (b) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock
       of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder
       with whom, or with whose affiliate, the business combination is to be
       effected, unless, among other conditions, the corporation's common
       stockholders receive a minimum price, as defined in the MGCL, for their
       shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the same form as
       previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares. The MGCL
       does not apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or
       exempted by the board of directors of the corporation before the
       interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder.


CONTROL SHARE ACQUISITIONS

    The MGCL provides that "control shares" of a Maryland corporation acquired
in a "control share acquisition" have no voting rights except to the extent
approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter,
excluding shares of stock owned by the acquirer, by officers or by directors who
are employees of the corporation. "Control shares" are voting shares of stock
which, if aggregated with all other such shares of stock previously acquired by
the acquirer or in respect of which the acquirer is able to exercise or direct
the exercise of voting power, except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy,
would entitle the acquirer to exercise voting power in electing directors within
one of the following ranges of voting power:

    (1) one-fifth or more but less than one-third,

    (2) one-third or more but less than a majority or

    (3) a majority or more of all voting power. Control shares do not include
       shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of
       having previously obtained stockholder approval. A "control share
       acquisition" means the acquisition of control shares, subject to certain
       exceptions.

    A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition, upon
satisfaction of certain conditions, including an undertaking to pay expenses,
may compel the board of directors of the corporation to call a special meeting
of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting
rights of the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may
itself present the question at any stockholders meeting.

    If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person
does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then,
subject to certain conditions and limitations, the corporation may redeem any or
all of the control shares, except those for which voting rights have previously
been approved, for fair value determined, without regard to the absence of
voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share
acquisition by the acquirer or of any meeting of stockholders at which the
voting rights of such shares are considered and not approved. If voting rights
for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquirer

                                       10
<PAGE>
becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other
stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as
determined for purposes of such appraisal rights may not be less than the
highest price per share paid by the acquirer in the control share acquisition.

    The control share acquisition statute does not apply

    - to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the
      corporation is a party to the transaction, or

    - to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the
      corporation.

    Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition
statute any and all acquisitions by any person of our shares of common stock. We
cannot give any assurance that such provision will not be amended or eliminated
at any time in the future.

AMENDMENT TO THE CHARTER


    We reserve the right from time to time to make any amendment to our charter
that is authorized by law at present or in the future, including any amendment
which alters the contract rights as expressly stated in the charter, of any
shares of outstanding stock. The charter may be amended only by the affirmative
vote of holders of shares entitled to cast at least a majority of all the votes
entitled to be cast on the matter; provided, however, that provisions relating
to the indemnification of our present and former directors and officers, our
election to be taxed as a REIT, the removal of directors for cause and
dissolution of Anthracite may be amended only by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the board of directors and the holders of shares entitled to cast at
least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast in the election of
directors; provided further that any amendment to our charter that would impair
or reduce the rights of the holders of our Series A preferred stock and any
amendment to the terms of the Series A preferred stock set forth in our charter
requiries the consent of the holders of a majority of the shares of Series A
preferred stock.


DISSOLUTION OF ANTHRACITE

    The dissolution of Anthracite must be approved by the affirmative vote of at
least two-thirds of all of the votes ordinarily entitled to be cast in the
election of directors, voting together as a single class, and the affirmative
vote of holders of at least two-thirds of any series or class of stock expressly
granted a series or class vote on the dissolution of Anthracite in the
resolutions providing for such series or class. Before such vote, the
dissolution must be approved by a majority of the board of directors.

ADVANCE NOTICE OF DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS AND NEW BUSINESS

    The bylaws provide that

    (a) with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of
       persons for election to the board of directors and the proposal of
       business to be considered by stockholders may be made only

       (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting,


       (2) by the board of directors, or



       (3) by a stockholder who is a stockholder of record both at the time of
           the notice of the meeting and at the time of the meeting is entitled
           to vote at the meeting and has complied with the advance notice
           procedures specified in the bylaws;



    (b) with respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business
       specified in our notice of meeting may be brought before the meeting of
       stockholders and nominations of persons for election to the board of
       directors;



    (c) nominations of persons for election to the board of directors at any
       special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected may
       be made only (1) pursuant to our notice


                                       11
<PAGE>

       of meeting, (2) by the board of directors or (3) if the board of
       directors has determined that directors shall be elected at such meeting,
       a special meeting to elect directors may be called by a stockholder who
       is entitled to vote at the meeting and has complied with the advance
       notice provisions specified in the bylaws and is a stockholder of record
       both at the time of the meeting and at the time of the meeting.


POSSIBLE ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECT OF MATERIAL PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF THE
  CHARTER AND BYLAWS

    The business combination provisions and, if the applicable provision in the
bylaws is rescinded, the control share acquisition provisions of the MGCL, the
provisions of the charter creating a staggered board and the advance notice
provisions of the bylaws could delay, defer or prevent a change in control of
Anthracite or other transaction that might involve a premium price for holders
of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest.

REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS

    We will furnish our stockholders with annual reports containing audited
financial statements and such other periodic reports as we may determine to
furnish or as may be required by law.

                                       12
<PAGE>
                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

    The following description contains general terms and provisions of the debt
securities to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms
of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent, if
any, to which such general provisions may not apply to the debt securities so
offered will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such debt
securities. For more information please refer to the senior indenture among a
trustee to be selected and us, relating to the issuance of the senior notes, and
the subordinated indenture among a trustee to be selected and us, relating to
issuance of the subordinated notes. Forms of these documents are filed as
exhibits to the registration statement, which includes this prospectus.

    As used in this prospectus, the term indentures refers to both the senior
indenture and the subordinated indenture. The indentures will be qualified under
the Trust Indenture Act. As used in this prospectus, the term trustee refers to
either the senior trustee or the subordinated trustee, as applicable.

    The following are summaries of material provisions of the senior indenture
and the subordinated indenture. They do not restate the indentures in their
entirety. We urge you to read the indentures applicable to a particular series
of debt securities because they, and not this description, define your rights as
the holders of the debt securities. Except as otherwise indicated, the terms of
the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture are identical.

GENERAL

    Each prospectus supplement will describe the following terms relating to a
series of notes:

    - the title;

    - any limit on the amount that may be issued;

    - whether or not such series of notes will be issued in global form, the
      terms and who the depository will be;

    - the maturity date(s);

    - the annual interest rate(s) (which may be fixed or variable) or the method
      for determining the rate(s) and the date(s) interest will begin to accrue,
      the date(s) interest will be payable and the regular record dates for
      interest payment dates or the method for determining such date(s);

    - the place(s) where payments shall be payable;

    - our right, if any, to defer payment of interest and the maximum length of
      any such deferral period;

    - the date, if any, after which, and the price(s) at which, such series of
      notes may, pursuant to any optional redemption provisions, be redeemed at
      our option, and other related terms and provisions;

    - the date(s), if any, on which, and the price(s) at which we are obligated,
      pursuant to any mandatory sinking fund provisions or otherwise, to redeem,
      or at the Holder's option to purchase, such series of notes and other
      related terms and provisions;

    - the denominations in which such series of notes will be issued, if in
      other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof; and

    - any mandatory or optional sinking fund or similar provisions;

    - the currency or currency units of payment of the principal of, premium, if
      any, and interest on the notes;

    - any index used to determine the amount of payments of the principal of,
      premium, if any, and interest on the notes and the manner in which such
      amounts shall be determined;

                                       13
<PAGE>
    - the terms pursuant to which such notes are subject to defeasance;

    - the terms and conditions, if any, pursuant to which such notes are
      secured;

    - any other terms (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the
      Indenture).

    The notes may be issued as original issue discount securities. An original
issue discount security is a note, including any zero-coupon note, which:

    - is issued at a price lower than the amount payable upon its stated
      maturity and

    - provides that upon redemption or acceleration of the maturity, an amount
      less than the amount payable upon the stated maturity, shall become due
      and payable.

    United States federal income tax consequences applicable to notes sold at an
original issue discount will be described in the applicable prospectus
supplement. In addition, United States federal income tax or other consequences
applicable to any notes which are denominated in a currency or currency unit
other than United States dollars may be described in the applicable prospectus
supplement.

    Under the indentures, we will have the ability, in addition to the ability
to issue notes with terms different from those of notes previously issued,
without the consent of the holders, to reopen a previous issue of a series of
notes and issue additional notes of that series, unless the reopening was
restricted when the series was created, in an aggregate principal amount
determined by us.

CONVERSION OR EXCHANGE RIGHTS

    The terms, if any, on which a series of notes may be convertible into or
exchangeable for our common stock or other securities will be described in the
prospectus supplement relating to that series of notes. The terms will include
provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of
the holder or at our option, and may include provisions pursuant to which the
number of shares of our common stock or other securities to be received by the
holders of the series of notes would be subject to adjustment.

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER OR SALE

    The indentures do not contain any covenant which restricts our ability to
merge or consolidate, or sell, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or
substantially all of their assets. However, any successor or acquirer of such
assets must assume all of our obligations under the indentures or the notes, as
appropriate.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT UNDER THE INDENTURE

    The following are events of default under the indentures with respect to any
series of notes issued:

    - failure to pay interest when due and such failure continues for 30 days
      and the time for payment has not been extended or deferred;

    - failure to pay the principal (or premium, if any) when due;

    - failure to observe or perform any other covenant contained in the notes or
      the indentures (other than a covenant specifically relating to another
      series of notes), and such failure continues for 90 days after we receive
      notice from the trustee or holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal
      amount of the outstanding notes of that series; and

    - certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of Anthracite.

    If an event of default with respect to notes of any series occurs and is
continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal
amount of the outstanding notes of that series, by

                                       14
<PAGE>
notice in writing to us (and to the trustee if notice is given by such holders),
may declare the unpaid principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest, if
any, due and payable immediately.

    The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes of an
affected series may waive any default or event of default with respect to such
series and its consequences, except defaults or events of default regarding:

    - payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest; or

    - certain covenants containing limitations on our ability to pay dividends
      and make payments on debt securities in certain circumstances.

    Any such waiver shall cure such default or event of default.

    Subject to the terms of the indentures, if an event of default under an
indenture shall occur and be continuing, the trustee will be under no obligation
to exercise any of its rights or powers under such indenture at the request or
direction of any of the holders of the applicable series of notes, unless such
holders have offered the trustee reasonable indemnity. The holders of a majority
in principal amount of the outstanding notes of any series will have the right
to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy
available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the
trustee, with respect to the notes of that series, provided that:

    - it is not in conflict with any law or the applicable indenture;

    - the trustee may take any other action deemed proper by it which is not
      inconsistent with such direction; and

    - subject to its duties under the Trust Indenture Act, the trustee need not
      take any action that might involve it in personal liability or might be
      unduly prejudicial to the holders not involved in the proceeding.

    A holder of the notes of any series will only have the right to institute a
proceeding under the indentures or to appoint a receiver or trustee, or to seek
other remedies if:

    - the holder has given written notice to the trustee of a continuing event
      of default with respect to that series;

    - the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
      outstanding notes of that series have made written request, and such
      holders have offered reasonable indemnity to the trustee to institute such
      proceedings as trustee; and

    - the trustee does not institute such proceeding, and does not receive from
      the holders of a majority in the aggregate principal amount of the
      outstanding notes of that series other conflicting directions within
      60 days after such notice, request and offer.

    These limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of notes if
we default in the payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on, the
notes.

    We will periodically file statements with the trustee regarding our
compliance with certain of the covenants in the indentures.

MODIFICATION OF INDENTURE; WAIVER

    Anthracite and the trustee may change an indenture without the consent of
any holders with respect to certain matters, including:

    - to fix any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency in such indenture; and

    - to change anything that does not materially adversely affect the interests
      of any holder of notes of any series.

                                       15
<PAGE>
    In addition, under the indentures, the rights of holders of a series of
notes may be changed by us and the trustee with the written consent of the
holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding
notes of each series that is affected. However, we can make the following
changes only with the consent of each holder of any outstanding notes affected:

    - extending the fixed maturity of such series of notes;

    - change any of our obligations to pay additional amounts;

    - reducing the principal amount, reducing the rate of or extending the time
      of payment of interest, or any premium payable upon the redemption of any
      such notes;

    - reducing the percentage of notes, the holders of which are required to
      consent to any amendment.

    - reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount security or
      any other note payable upon acceleration of the maturity thereof,

    - change currency in which any note or any premium or interest is payable,

    - impair the right to enforce any payment on or with respect to any note,

    - adversely change the right to convert or exchange, including decreasing
      the conversion rate or increasing the conversion price of, such note, if
      applicable,

    - in the case of the subordinated indenture, modify the subordination
      provisions in a manner adverse to the holders of the subordinated notes,

    - if the notes are secured, change the terms and conditions pursuant to
      which the notes are secured in a manner adverse to the holders of the
      secured notes,

    - reduce the percentage in principal amount of outstanding notes of any
      series, the consent of whose holders is required for modification or
      amendment of the applicable indenture or for waiver of compliance with
      certain provisions of the applicable indenture or for waiver of certain
      defaults,

    - reduce the requirements contained in the applicable indenture for quorum
      or voting,

    - change any of our obligations to maintain an office or agency in the
      places and for the purposes required by the indentures, or

    - modify any of the above provisions.

FORM, EXCHANGE, AND TRANSFER

    The notes of each series will be issuable only in fully registered form
without coupons and, unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement, in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. The
indentures will provide that notes of a series may be issuable in temporary or
permanent global form and may be issued as book-entry securities that will be
deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company or another
depository named by us and identified in a prospectus supplement with respect to
such series.

    At the option of the holder, subject to the terms of the indentures and the
limitations applicable to global securities described in the applicable
prospectus supplement, notes of any series will be exchangeable for other notes
of the same series, in any authorized denomination and of like tenor and
aggregate principal amount.

    Subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations applicable to
global securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement, notes may
be presented for exchange or for registration of transfer, duly endorsed or with
the form of transfer endorsed, duly executed if so required by us or the
security registrar, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of
any transfer agent designated by us for such purpose. Unless otherwise provided
in the notes to be transferred or exchanged, we will not require a service
charge for any registration of transfer or exchange, but we may require payment

                                       16
<PAGE>
of any taxes or other governmental charges. The security registrar and any
transfer agent initially designated by us for any notes will be named in the
applicable prospectus supplement. We may at any time designate additional
transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a
change in the office through which any transfer agent acts, except that we will
be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the notes
of each series.

    If the notes of any series are to be redeemed, we will not be required to:

    - issue, register the transfer of, or exchange any notes of that series
      during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the
      day of mailing of a notice of redemption of any such notes that may be
      selected for redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of
      such mailing; or

    - register the transfer of or exchange any notes so selected for redemption,
      in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any such notes being
      redeemed in part.

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE

    The trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of an event of
default under an indenture, undertakes to perform only such duties as are
specifically described in the indentures and, upon an event of default under an
indenture, must use the same degree of care as a prudent person would exercise
or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the
trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers given it by the
indentures at the request of any holder of notes unless it is offered reasonable
security and indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that it might
incur. The trustee is not required to spend or risk its own money or otherwise
become financially liable while performing its duties unless it reasonably
believes that it will be repaid or receive adequate indemnity.

PAYMENT AND PAYING AGENTS

    Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, payment
of the interest on any notes on any interest payment date will be made to the
person in whose name such notes or one or more predecessor securities are
registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such
interest.

    Principal of and any premium and interest on the notes of a particular
series will be payable at the office of the paying agents designated by us,
except that unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement,
interest payments may be made by check mailed to the holder. Unless otherwise
indicated in such prospectus supplement, the corporate trust office of the
trustee in The City of New York will be designated as our sole paying agent for
payments with respect to notes of each series. Any other paying agents initially
designated by us for the notes of a particular series will be named in the
applicable prospectus supplement. We will be required to maintain a paying agent
in each place of payment for the notes of a particular series.

    All moneys paid by us to a paying agent or the trustee for the payment of
the principal of or any premium or interest on any notes which remains unclaimed
at the end of two years after the principal, premium or interest has become due
and payable will be repaid to us, and the holder of the security may then look
only to us for payment.

GOVERNING LAW

    The indentures and the notes will be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York except to the extent that the Trust
Indenture Act shall be applicable.

SUBORDINATION OF SUBORDINATED NOTES

    The subordinated notes will be unsecured and will be subordinate and junior
in priority of payment to certain of our other indebtedness to the extent
described in a prospectus supplement. The subordinated indenture does not limit
the amount of subordinated notes which we may issue, nor does it limit us from
issuing any other secured or unsecured debt.

                                       17
<PAGE>
                    MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

    THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
ANTICIPATED TO BE MATERIAL TO AN INVESTOR IN ANTHRACITE. THIS SUMMARY IS BASED
ON CURRENT LAW, IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT TAX ADVICE. YOUR TAX
CONSEQUENCES RELATED TO AN INVESTMENT IN ANTHRACITE MAY VARY DEPENDING ON YOUR
PARTICULAR SITUATION AND THIS DISCUSSION DOES NOT PURPORT TO DISCUSS ALL ASPECTS
OF TAXATION THAT MAY BE RELEVANT TO A HOLDER OF OUR SECURITIES IN LIGHT OF HIS
OR HER PERSONAL INVESTMENT OR TAX CIRCUMSTANCES, OR TO HOLDERS OF OUR SECURITIES
SUBJECT TO SPECIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS EXCEPT TO THE
EXTENT DISCUSSED UNDER THE HEADINGS "--TAXATION OF TAX-EXEMPT STOCKHOLDERS" AND
"--TAXATION OF NON-U.S. STOCKHOLDERS." INVESTORS SUBJECT TO SPECIAL TREATMENT
INCLUDE, WITHOUT LIMITATION, INSURANCE COMPANIES, FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS,
BROKER-DEALERS, TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS, INVESTORS HOLDING SECURITIES AS PART
OF A CONVERSION TRANSACTION, OR A HEDGE OR HEDGING TRANSACTION OR AS A POSITION
IN A STRADDLE FOR TAX PURPOSES, FOREIGN CORPORATIONS OR PARTNERSHIPS, AND
PERSONS WHO ARE NOT CITIZENS OR RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. IN ADDITION, THE
SUMMARY BELOW DOES NOT CONSIDER THE EFFECT OF ANY FOREIGN, STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER
TAX LAWS THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE TO YOU AS A HOLDER OF OUR SECURITIES.

    The information in this summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, current, temporary and proposed Treasury regulations
promulgated under the Internal Revenue Code, the legislative history of the
Internal Revenue Code, current administrative interpretations and practices of
the Internal Revenue Service, and court decisions, all as of the date of this
prospectus. The administrative interpretations and practices of the Internal
Revenue Service upon which this summary is based include its practices and
policies as expressed in private letter rulings which are not binding on the
Internal Revenue Service, except with respect to the taxpayers who requested and
received such rulings. Future legislation, Treasury regulations, administrative
interpretations and practices, and court decisions may affect the tax
consequences contained in this summary, possibly on a retroactive basis. We have
not requested, and do not plan to request, any rulings from the Internal Revenue
Service concerning our tax treatment, and the statements in this prospectus are
not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or a court. Thus, we can provide no
assurance that the tax consequences contained in this summary will not be
challenged by the Internal Revenue Service or sustained by a court if challenged
by the Internal Revenue Service.

    YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX
CONSEQUENCES TO YOU OF (1) THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND SALE OR OTHER
DISPOSITION OF OUR SECURITIES, INCLUDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND
OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES, (2) OUR ELECTION TO BE TAXED AS A REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT
TRUST FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES AND (3) POTENTIAL CHANGES IN APPLICABLE
TAX LAWS.

TAXATION OF ANTHRACITE

    GENERAL

    We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the
Internal Revenue Code, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 1998.
We believe we have been organized and have operated in a manner which allows us
to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, and we intend
to continue to operate in this manner. Our qualification and taxation as a REIT,
however, depend upon our ability to meet, through actual annual operating
results, asset requirements, distribution levels, diversity of stock ownership,
and the various other qualification tests imposed under the Internal Revenue
Code. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we have operated or will
continue to operate in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT.
See "--Failure to Qualify."

    The sections of the Internal Revenue Code that relate to the qualification
and taxation of REITs are highly technical and complex. The following describes
the material aspects of the sections of the

                                       18
<PAGE>
Internal Revenue Code that govern the Federal income tax treatment of a REIT and
its stockholders. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the applicable
Internal Revenue Code provisions, rules and regulations promulgated under the
Internal Revenue Code, and administrative and judicial interpretations of the
Internal Revenue Code.

    Provided we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject
to Federal corporate income tax on our net income that is currently distributed
to our stockholders. This treatment substantially eliminates the "double
taxation" that generally results from an investment in a corporation. Double
taxation means taxation once at the corporate level when income is earned and
once again at the stockholder level when such income is distributed. Even if we
qualify for taxation as a REIT, however, we will be subject to Federal income
taxation as follows:

    - We will be required to pay tax at regular corporate rates on any
      undistributed REIT taxable income, including undistributed net capital
      gains.

    - We may be subject to the "alternative minimum tax" on items of tax
      preference, if any.

    - If we have (a) net income from the sale or other disposition of
      "foreclosure property" which is held primarily for sale to customers in
      the ordinary course of business or (b) other nonqualifying income from
      foreclosure property, we will be required to pay tax at the highest
      corporate rate on this income. In general, foreclosure property is
      property acquired through foreclosure after a default on a loan secured by
      the property or on a lease of the property.

    - We will be required to pay a 100% tax on any net income from prohibited
      transactions. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other
      taxable dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, held
      for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business.

    - If we fail to satisfy the 75% or 95% gross income tests, as described
      below, but have maintained our qualification as a REIT, we will be
      required to pay a 100% tax on an amount equal to (a) the gross income
      attributable to the greater of the amount by which we fail the 75% or 95%
      gross income test multiplied by (b) a fraction intended to reflect our
      profitability.

    - We will be required to pay a 4% excise tax on the amount by which our
      annual distributions to our stockholders is less than the sum of (1) 85%
      of our ordinary income for the year, (2) 95% of our real estate investment
      trust capital gain net income for the year, and (3) any undistributed
      taxable income from prior periods.

    - If we acquire an asset from a corporation which is not a REIT in a
      transaction in which the basis of the asset in our hands is determined by
      reference to the basis of the asset in the hands of the transferor
      corporation, and we subsequently sell the asset within ten years, then
      under Treasury regulations not yet issued, we would be required to pay tax
      at the highest regular corporate tax rate on this gain to the extent
      (a) the fair market value of the asset exceeds (b) our adjusted tax basis
      in the asset, in each case, determined as of the date on which we acquired
      the asset. The results described in this paragraph assume that we will
      elect this treatment in lieu of an immediate tax when the asset is
      acquired.

    - We will generally be subject to tax on the portion of any "excess
      inclusion" income derived from an investment in residual interests in real
      estate mortgage investment conduits to the extent our stock is held by
      specified tax exempt organizations not subject to tax on unrelated
      business taxable income.

    REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALIFICATION AS A REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

    The Internal Revenue Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or
association:

    (1) that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;

                                       19
<PAGE>
    (2) that issues transferable shares or transferable certificates to its
       owners;

    (3) that would be taxable as a regular corporation, but for its election to
       be taxed as a REIT;

    (4) that is not a financial institution or an insurance company under the
       Internal Revenue Code;

    (5) that is owned by 100 or more persons;

    (6) not more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock of which is owned,
       actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals, as defined in
       the Internal Revenue Code to include some entities, during the last half
       of each year; and

    (7) that meets other tests, described below, regarding the nature of its
       income and assets, and the amount of its distributions.

    The Internal Revenue Code provides that conditions (1) to (4) must be met
during the entire year and that condition (5) must be met during at least
335 days of a year of twelve months, or during a proportionate part of a shorter
taxable year. Conditions (5) and (6) do not apply to the first taxable year for
which an election is made to be taxed as a REIT. For purposes of condition (6),
tax-exempt entities are generally treated as individuals, subject to a
"look-through" exception for pension funds.

    Our charter provides for restrictions regarding ownership and transfer of
our stock. These restrictions are intended to assist us in satisfying the share
ownership requirements described in (5) and (6) above. These stock ownership and
transfer restrictions are described in "Description of Capital
Stock--Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer." These restrictions, however, may
not ensure that we will, in all cases, be able to satisfy the share ownership
requirements described in (5) and (6) above. If we fail to satisfy these share
ownership requirements, our status as a REIT would terminate. If, however, we
comply with the rules contained in applicable Treasury regulations that require
us to determine the actual ownership of our shares and we do not know, or would
not have known through the exercise of reasonable diligence, that we failed to
meet the requirement described in condition (6) above, we would not be
disqualified as a REIT.

    In addition, a corporation may not qualify as a REIT unless its taxable year
is the calendar year. We have and will continue to have a calendar taxable year.

    OWNERSHIP OF A PARTNERSHIP INTEREST

    The Treasury regulations provide that if we are a partner in a partnership,
we will be deemed to own our proportionate share of the assets of the
partnership, and we will be deemed to be entitled to our proportionate share of
the gross income of the partnership. The character of the assets and gross
income of the partnership generally retains the same character in our hands for
purposes of satisfying the gross income and asset tests described below.

    QUALIFIED REIT SUBSIDIARIES

    A "qualified REIT subsidiary" is a corporation, all of the stock of which is
owned by a REIT. Under the Internal Revenue Code, a qualified REIT subsidiary is
not treated as a separate corporation from the REIT. Rather, all of the assets,
liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of the qualified REIT
subsidiary are treated as the assets, liabilities, and items of income,
deduction, and credit of the REIT for purposes of the REIT income and asset
tests described below.

    INCOME TESTS

    We must meet two annual gross income requirements to qualify as a REIT.
First, each year we must derive, directly or indirectly, at least 75% of our
gross income, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, from
investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property,

                                       20
<PAGE>
including "rents from real property" and mortgage interest, or from specified
temporary investments. Second, each year we must derive at least 95% of our
gross income, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, from
investments meeting the 75% test described above, or from dividends, interest
and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities. For these
purposes, the term "interest" generally does not include any interest of which
the amount received depends on the income or profits of any person. An amount
will generally not be excluded from the term "interest," however, if such amount
is based on a fixed percentage of receipts or sales.

    Any amount includable in gross income by us with respect to a regular or
residual interest in a real estate mortgage investment conduit is generally
treated as interest on an obligation secured by a mortgage on real property for
purposes of the 75% gross income test. If, however, less than 95% of the assets
of a real estate mortgage investment conduit consist of real estate assets, we
will be treated as receiving directly our proportionate share of the income of
the real estate mortgage investment conduit, which would generally include
non-qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. In addition, if
we receive interest income with respect to a mortgage loan that is secured by
both real property and other property and the principal amount of the loan
exceeds the fair market value of the real property on the date we purchased the
mortgage loan, interest income on the loan will be apportioned between the real
property and the other property, which apportionment would cause us to recognize
income that is not qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test.

    In general, and subject to the exceptions in the preceding paragraph, the
interest, original issue discount, and market discount income that we derive
from investments in mortgage backed securities, and mortgage loans will be
qualifying interest income for purposes of both the 75% and the 95% gross income
tests. It is possible, however, that interest income from a mortgage loan may be
based in part on the borrower's profits or net income, which would generally
disqualify such interest income for purposes of both the 75% and the 95% gross
income tests.

    We may acquire construction loans or mezzanine loans that have shared
appreciation provisions. To the extent interest on a loan is based on the cash
proceeds from the sale or value of property, income attributable to such
provision would be treated as gain from the sale of the secured property, which
generally should qualify for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests.

    We may employ, to the extent consistent with the REIT Provisions of the
Code, forms of securitization of our assets under which a "sale" of an interest
in a mortgage loan occurs, and a resulting gain or loss is recorded on our
balance sheet for accounting purposes at the time of sale. In a "sale"
securitization, only the net retained interest in the securitized mortgage loans
would remain on our balance sheet. We may elect to conduct certain of its
securitization activities, including such sales, through one or more taxable
subsidiaries, or through qualified REIT subsidiaries, formed for such purpose.
To the extent consistent with the REIT Provisions of the Code, such entities
could elect to be taxed as real estate mortgage investment conduits or financial
asset securitization investment trusts.

    Rents we receive will qualify as "rents from real property" only if the
following conditions are met:

    - the amount of rent may not be based in whole or in part on the income or
      profits of any person. "Rents from real property" may, however, include
      rent based on a fixed percentage of receipts or sales;

    - rents received from a tenant will not qualify as "rents from real
      property" if the REIT, or an actual or constructive owner of 10% or more
      of the REIT, actually or constructively owns 10% or more of such tenant;

    - if rent attributable to personal property leased in connection with a
      lease of real property is greater than 15% of the total rent received
      under the lease, then the portion of rent attributable to personal
      property will not qualify as "rents from real property"; and

                                       21
<PAGE>

    - to qualify as "rents from real property," the REIT generally may not
      render services to tenants of the property, other than through an
      independent contractor from whom the REIT derives no revenue. The REIT
      may, however, provide services that are "usually or customarily rendered"
      in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not
      otherwise considered "rendered to the occupant" of the property. In
      addition, a REIT may provide a DE MINIMUS amount of non-customary
      services. Finally, for taxable years beginning after the year 2000, a REIT
      may provide certain non-customary services to tenants through a "taxable
      REIT subsidiary," which is a taxable corporation owned by the REIT.


    If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for
any year, we may still qualify as a REIT if we are entitled to relief under the
Internal Revenue Code. Generally, we may be entitled to relief if:

    - our failure to meet the gross income tests was due to reasonable cause and
      not due to willful neglect;

    - we attach a schedule of the sources of our income to our Federal income
      tax return; and

    - any incorrect information on the schedule was not due to fraud with the
      intent to evade tax.

    It is not possible to state whether in all circumstances we would be
entitled to rely on these relief provisions. If these relief provisions do not
apply to a particular set of circumstances, we would not qualify as a REIT. As
discussed above in "--Taxation of Anthracite--General", even if these relief
provisions apply, and we retain our status as a REIT, a tax would be imposed
with respect to our income that does not meet the gross income tests. We may not
always be able to maintain compliance with the gross income tests for REIT
qualification despite periodically monitoring our income.

    FORECLOSURE PROPERTY

    Net income realized by us from foreclosure property would generally be
subject to tax at the maximum Federal corporate tax rate. Foreclosure property
means real property and related personal property that (1) is acquired by us
through foreclosure following a default on a lease of such property or a default
on indebtedness owed to us that is secured by the property and (2) for which we
make an election to treat the property as foreclosure property.

    PROHIBITED TRANSACTION INCOME

    Any gain realized by us on the sale of any property, other than foreclosure
property, held as inventory or otherwise held primarily for sale to customers in
the ordinary course of business will be prohibited transaction income, and
subject to a 100% penalty tax. Prohibited transaction income may also adversely
affect our ability to satisfy the gross income tests for qualification as a
REIT. Whether property is held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers
in the ordinary course of a trade or business depends on all the facts and
circumstances surrounding the particular transaction. While the Treasury
regulations provide standards which, if met, would not result in prohibited
transaction income, we may not be able to meet these standards in all
circumstances.

    HEDGING TRANSACTIONS

    We may enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our
assets or liabilities. Our hedging transactions could take a variety of forms,
including interest rate swaps or cap agreements, options, futures contracts,
forward rate agreements, or similar financial instruments. To the extent that we
enter into hedging transactions to reduce our interest rate risk on indebtedness
incurred to acquire or carry real estate assets, any income, or gain from the
disposition of hedging transactions should be qualifying income for purposes of
the 95% gross income test, but not the 75% gross income test.

                                       22
<PAGE>
    ASSET TESTS


    At the close of each quarter of each year, we also must satisfy three tests
relating to our assets. First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets
must be real estate assets, cash, cash items and government securities. For
purposes of this test, real estate assets include real estate mortgages, real
property, interests in other REITs and stock or debt instruments held for one
year or less that are purchased with the proceeds of a stock offering or a
long-term public debt offering. Second, not more than 25% of our total assets
may be represented by securities, other than those securities includable in the
75% asset class. Third, of the investments included in the 25% asset class, the
value of any one issuer's securities that we hold may not exceed 5% of the value
of our total assets, and we may not own more than 10% of the voting stock of a
corporation. In addition, for taxable years beginning after the year 2000,
(1) not more than 20% of the value of our total assets may be represented by
securities in one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries and (2) we generally are not
permitted to own more than 10% of the value of one issuer's securities.


    We expect that any mortgage backed securities, real property, and temporary
investments that we acquire will generally be qualifying assets for purposes of
the 75% asset test, except to the extent that less than 95% of the assets of a
real estate mortgage investment conduit in which we own an interest consists of
"real estate assets." Mortgage loans, including distressed mortgage loans,
construction loans, bridge loans, and mezzanine loans also will generally be
qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test to the extent that the
principal balance of each mortgage loan does not exceed the value of the
associated real property.

    We anticipate that we may securitize all or a portion of the mortgage loans
which we acquire, in which event we will likely retain certain of the
subordinated and interest only classes of mortgage backed securities which may
be created as a result of such securitization. The securitization of mortgage
loans may be accomplished through one or more real estate mortgage investment
conduits established by us or, if a non-real estate mortgage investment conduit
securitization is desired, through one or more qualified REIT subsidiaries or
taxable subsidiaries established by us. The securitization of the mortgage loans
through either one or more real estate mortgage investment conduits or one or
more qualified REIT subsidiaries or taxable subsidiaries should not affect our
qualification as a REIT or result in the imposition of corporate income tax
under the taxable mortgage pool rules. Income realized by us from a real estate
mortgage investment conduit securitization could, however, be subject to a 100%
tax as a "prohibited transaction." See "--Prohibited Transaction Income."

    After meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose
our status as a REIT if we fail to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a later
quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values. In addition, if we fail to
satisfy the asset tests because we acquire securities or other property during a
quarter, we can cure this failure by disposing of sufficient nonqualifying
assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter.

    We will monitor the status of the assets that we acquire for purposes of the
various asset tests and we will manage our portfolio in order to comply with
such tests.

    ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS


    To qualify as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends, other than
capital gain dividends, to our stockholders in an amount at least equal to the
sum of (1) 95% of our "REIT taxable income" and (2) 95% of our after tax net
income, if any, from foreclosure property, minus (3) the sum of certain items of
noncash income. For taxable years beginning after the year 2000, the foregoing
distribution levels are reduced to 90%. In general,"REIT taxable income" means
taxable ordinary income without regard to the dividends paid deduction.


    We are required to distribute income in the taxable year which it is earned,
or in the following taxable year before we timely file our tax return if such
dividend distributions are declared and paid on

                                       23
<PAGE>
or before our first regular dividend payment. Except as provided in "--Taxation
of Taxable U.S. Stockholders" below, these distributions are taxable to holders
of common stock in the year in which paid, even though these distributions
relate to our prior year for purposes of our 95% distribution requirement. To
the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain or distribute
at least 95%, but less than 100% or our "REIT taxable income," we will be
subject to tax at regular corporate tax rates.

    From time to time we may not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to
meet the above distribution requirements due to timing differences between the
actual receipt of cash and payment of expenses, and the inclusion of income and
deduction of expenses in arriving at our taxable income. If these timing
differences occur, in order to meet the REIT distribution requirements, we may
need to arrange for short-term, or possibly long-term, borrowings, or to pay
dividends in the form of taxable stock dividends.

    Under certain circumstances, we may be able to rectify a failure to meet a
distribution requirement for a year by paying "deficiency dividends" to our
stockholders in a later year, which may be included in our deduction for
dividends paid for the earlier year. Thus, we may be able to avoid being subject
to tax on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends. We will be required,
however, to pay interest based upon the amount of any deduction claimed for
deficiency dividends. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the
excess of the required distribution over the amounts actually distributed if we
should fail to distribute each year at least the sum of 85% of our ordinary
income for the year, 95% of our capital gain income for the year, and any
undistributed taxable income from prior periods.

    RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS

    We are required to maintain records and request on an annual basis
information from specified stockholders. This requirement is designed to
disclose the actual ownership of our outstanding stock.

FAILURE TO QUALIFY

    If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year, and the
relief provisions of the Internal Revenue Code described above do not apply, we
will be subject to tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, and
possibly increased state and local taxes, on our taxable income at regular
corporate rates. Such taxation would reduce the cash available for distribution
by us to our stockholders. Distributions to our stockholders in any year in
which we fail to qualify as a REIT will not be deductible by us and we will not
be required to distribute any amounts to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify
as a REIT, distributions to our stockholders will be subject to tax as ordinary
income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits and,
subject to certain limitations of the Internal Revenue Code, corporate
stockholders may be eligible for the dividends received deduction. Unless
entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we would also be
disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the
year during which we lost our qualification. It is not possible to state whether
in all circumstances we would be entitled to statutory relief.

TAXATION OF TAXABLE U.S. STOCKHOLDERS

    When we use the term "U.S. stockholders," we mean a holder of shares of our
stock who is, for United States federal income tax purposes:

    - a citizen or resident of the United States;

    - a corporation, partnership, or other entity created or organized in or
      under the laws of the United States or of any state thereof or in the
      District of Columbia, unless Treasury regulations provide otherwise;

                                       24
<PAGE>
    - an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income
      taxation regardless of its source; or

    - a trust whose administration is subject to the primary supervision of a
      United States court and which has one or more United States persons who
      have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust.

    DISTRIBUTIONS GENERALLY

    Distributions out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, other
than capital gain dividends will be taxable to our U.S. stockholders as ordinary
income. Provided we qualify as a REIT, our dividends will not be eligible for
the dividends received deduction generally available to U.S. stockholders that
are corporations.

    To the extent that we make distributions in excess of our current and
accumulated earnings and profits, these distributions will be treated as a
tax-free return of capital to each U.S. stockholder, and will reduce the
adjusted tax basis which each U.S. stockholder has in its shares of stock by the
amount of the distribution, but not below zero. Return of capital distributions
in excess of a U.S. stockholder's adjusted tax basis in its shares will be
taxable as capital gain, provided that the shares have been held as capital
assets, and will be taxable as long-term capital gain if the shares have been
held for more than one year. Dividends we declare in October, November, or
December of any year and pay to a stockholder of record on a specified date in
any of those months will be treated as both paid by us and received by the
stockholder on December 31 of that year, provided we pay the dividend in January
of the following year. Stockholders may not include in their own income tax
returns any of our net operating losses or capital losses.

    CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS

    Distributions designated as net capital gain dividends will be taxable to
our U.S. stockholders as capital gain income. Such capital gain income will be
taxable to non-corporate U.S. stockholders at a 20% or 25% rate based on the
characteristics of the asset we sold that produced the gain. U.S. stockholders
that are corporations may be required to treat up to 20% of certain capital gain
dividends as ordinary income.

    RETENTION OF NET CAPITAL GAINS

    We may elect to retain, rather than distribute as a capital gain dividend,
our net capital gains. If we make this election, we would pay tax on such
retained capital gains. In such a case, our stockholders would generally:

    - include their proportionate share of our undistributed net capital gains
      in their taxable income;

    - receive a credit for their proportionate share of the tax paid by us; and

    - increase the adjusted basis of their stock by the difference between the
      amount of their capital gain and their share of the tax paid by us;

    PASSIVE ACTIVITY LOSSES AND INVESTMENT INTEREST LIMITATIONS

    Distributions we make and gain arising from the sale or exchange by a U.S.
stockholder of our shares will not be treated as passive activity income. As a
result, U.S. stockholders will not be able to apply any "passive losses" against
income or gain relating to our stock. Distributions we make, to the extent they
do not constitute a return of capital, generally will be treated as investment
income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation.

                                       25
<PAGE>
DISPOSITIONS OF STOCK

    If you are a U.S. stockholder and you sell or dispose of your shares of
stock, you will recognize gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes in an
amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market
value of any property you receive on the sale or other disposition and your
adjusted tax basis in the shares of stock. This gain or loss will be capital
gain or loss if you have held the stock as a capital asset, and will be
long-term capital gain or loss if you have held the stock for more than one
year. In general, if you are a U.S. stockholder and you recognize loss upon the
sale or other disposition of stock that you have held for six months or less,
the loss you recognize will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent
you received distributions from us which were required to be treated as
long-term capital gains.

BACKUP WITHHOLDING

    We report to our U.S. stockholders and the Internal Revenue Service the
amount of dividends paid during each calendar year, and the amount of any tax
withheld. Under the backup withholding rules, a stockholder may be subject to
backup withholding at the rate of 31% with respect to dividends paid unless the
holder is a corporation or comes within other exempt categories and, when
required, demonstrates this fact, or provides a taxpayer identification number
or social security number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup
withholding, and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup
withholding rules. A U.S. stockholder that does not provide us with his correct
taxpayer identification number or social security number may also be subject to
penalties imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. Backup withholding is not an
additional tax. Any amount paid as backup withholding will be creditable against
the stockholder's income tax liability. In addition, we may be required to
withhold a portion of capital gain distributions to any stockholders who fail to
certify their non-foreign status.

TAXATION OF TAX-EXEMPT STOCKHOLDERS

    The Internal Revenue Service has ruled that amounts distributed as dividends
by a REIT do not constitute unrelated business taxable income when received by a
tax-exempt entity. Based on that ruling, provided that a tax-exempt stockholder,
has not held its shares as "debt financed property" within the meaning of the
Internal Revenue Code and the shares are not otherwise used in a unrelated trade
or business, dividend income on our stock and income from the sale of our stock
should not be unrelated business taxable income to a tax-exempt stockholder.
Generally, debt financed property is property, the acquisition or holding of
which was financed through a borrowing by the tax-exempt stockholder.

    For tax-exempt stockholders which are social clubs, voluntary employee
benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts, and qualified
group legal services plans exempt from Federal income taxation under Sections
501(c)(7), (c)(9), (c)(17) and (c)(20) of the Internal Revenue Code,
respectively, income from an investment in our shares will constitute unrelated
business taxable income unless the organization is able to properly claim a
deduction for amounts set aside or placed in reserve for certain purposes so as
to offset the income generated by its investment in our shares. These
prospective investors should consult their tax advisors concerning these "set
aside" and reserve requirements.

    Notwithstanding the above, however, a portion of the dividends paid by a
"pension-held REIT" may be treated as unrelated business taxable income as to
any pension trust which:

    - is described in Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code;

    - is tax-exempt under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code; and

    - holds more than 10%, by value, of the interests in the REIT.

                                       26
<PAGE>
    Tax-exempt pension funds that are described in Section 401(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code are referred to below as "qualified trusts."

    A REIT is a "pension held REIT" if:

    - it would not have qualified as a REIT but for the fact that
      Section 856(h)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code provides that stock owned
      by a qualified trust is treated, for purposes of the 5/50 Rule, as owned
      by the beneficiaries of the trust, rather than by the trust itself; and

    - either at least one qualified trust holds more than 25%, by value, of the
      interests in the REIT, or one or more qualified trusts, each of which owns
      more than 10%, by value, of the interests in the REIT, holds in the
      aggregate more than 50%, by value, of the interests in the REIT.

    The percentage of any REIT dividend treated as unrelated business taxable
income is equal to the ratio of:

    - the unrelated business taxable income earned by the REIT, treating the
      REIT as if it were a qualified trust and therefore subject to tax on
      unrelated business taxable income, to

    - the total gross income of the REIT.

    A DE MINIMIS exception applies where the percentage is less than 5% for any
year. As a result of the limitations on the transfer and ownership of stock
contained in the charter, we do not expect to be classified as a "pension-held
REIT."

TAXATION OF NON-U.S. STOCKHOLDERS

    The rules governing Federal income taxation of nonresident alien
individuals, foreign corporations, foreign partnerships, and other foreign
stockholders (collectively, "non-U.S. stockholders") are complex and no attempt
will be made herein to provide more than a summary of such rules.

    PROSPECTIVE NON-U.S. STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS TO
DETERMINE THE IMPACT OF FOREIGN, FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL INCOME TAX LAWS WITH
REGARD TO AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SECURITIES AND OF OUR ELECTION TO BE TAXED AS A
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST INCLUDING ANY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

    Distributions to non-U.S. stockholders that are not attributable to gain
from sales or exchanges by us of U.S. real property interests and are not
designated by us as capital gain dividends or retained capital gains will be
treated as dividends of ordinary income to the extent that they are made out of
our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such distributions will
generally be subject to a withholding tax equal to 30% of the distribution
unless an applicable tax treaty reduces or eliminates that tax. However, if
income from an investment in our stock is treated as effectively connected with
the non-U.S. stockholder's conduct of a U.S. trade or business, the non-U.S.
stockholder generally will be subject to Federal income tax at graduated rates,
in the same manner as U.S. stockholders are taxed with respect to such
distributions (and also may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax in the case
of a non-U.S. stockholder that is a corporation). We expect to withhold U.S.
income tax at the rate of 30% on the gross amount of any distributions made to a
non-U.S. stockholder unless (i) a lower treaty rate applies and any required
form, such as IRS Form 1001 or IRS Form W-8BEN, evidencing eligibility for that
reduced rate is filed by the non-U.S. stockholder with us or (ii) the non-U.S.
stockholder files an IRS Form 4224 or IRS Form W-8ECI with us claiming that the
distribution is effectively connected income.

    Any portion of the dividends paid to non-U.S. stockholders that is treated
as excess inclusion from a real estate mortgage investment conduit income will
not be eligible for exemption from the 30% withholding tax or a reduced treaty
rate. In addition, if Treasury regulations are issued allocating our

                                       27
<PAGE>
excess inclusion income from non-real estate mortgage investment conduits among
our stockholders, some percentage of the our dividends would not be eligible for
exemption from the 30% withholding tax or a reduced treaty withholding tax rate
in the hands of non-U.S. stockholders.

    Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits
will not be taxable to a stockholder to the extent that such distributions do
not exceed the adjusted basis of the stockholder's stock, but rather will reduce
the adjusted basis of such shares. To the extent that distributions in excess of
current and accumulated earnings and profits exceed the adjusted basis of a
non-U.S. stockholder's stock, such distributions will give rise to tax liability
if the non-U.S. stockholder would otherwise be subject to tax on any gain from
the sale or disposition of its stock, as described below. Because it generally
cannot be determined at the time a distribution is made whether or not such
distribution will be in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits,
the entire amount of any distribution normally will be subject to withholding at
the same rate as a dividend. However, amounts so withheld are refundable to the
extent it is subsequently determined that such distribution was, in fact, in
excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. We are also required
to withhold 10% of any distribution in excess of our current and accumulated
earnings and profits. Consequently, although we intend to withhold at a rate of
30% on the entire amount of any distribution, to the extent that we do not do
so, any portion of a distribution not subject to withholding at a rate of 30%
will be subject to withholding at a rate of 10%.

    For any year in which we qualify as a REIT, distributions that are
attributable to gain from sales or exchanges of a U.S. real property interest,
which includes certain interests in real property, but generally does not
include mortgage loans or mortgage backed securities, will be taxed to a
Non-U.S. stockholder under the provisions of the Foreign Investment in Real
Property Tax Act of 1980 ("FIRPTA"). Under FIRPTA, distributions attributable to
gain from sales of U.S. real property interests are taxed to a non-U.S.
stockholder as if such gain were effectively connected with a U.S. business.
Non-U.S. stockholders thus would be taxed at the normal capital gain rates
applicable to U.S. stockholders (subject to applicable alternative minimum tax
and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien
individuals). Distributions subject to FIRPTA also may be subject to the 30%
branch profits tax in the hands of a non-U.S. stockholder that is a corporation.
We are required to withhold 35% of any distribution that is designated by us as
a U.S. real property capital gains dividend. The amount withheld is creditable
against the non-U.S. stockholder's FIRPTA tax liability.

    Gain recognized by a non-U.S. stockholder upon a sale of our stock generally
will not be taxed under FIRPTA if we are a "domestically controlled REIT," which
is a REIT in which at all times during a specified testing period less than 50%
in value of the stock was held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. persons.
Although we currently believe that we are a "domestically controlled REIT,"
because our stock is publicly traded, no assurance can be given that we are or
will remain a "domestically controlled REIT." Even if we do not qualify as a
"domestically controlled REIT," a non-U.S. stockholder that owns, actually or
constructively, 5% or less of our stock throughout a specified testing period
will not recognize taxable gain on the sale of his stock under FIRPTA if the
shares are traded on an established securities market.

    Gain not subject to FIRPTA will be taxable to a non-U.S. stockholder if
(i) the non-U.S. stockholder's investment in the stock is effectively connected
with a U.S. trade or business, in which case the non-U.S. stockholder will be
subject to the same treatment as U.S. stockholders with respect to such gain, or
(ii) the non-U.S. stockholder is a nonresident alien individual who was present
in the U.S. for 183 days or more during the taxable year and other conditions
are met, in which case the nonresident alien individual will be subject to a 30%
tax on the individual's capital gains. If the gain on the sale of the stock were
to be subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. stockholder would be
subject to the same treatment as U.S. stockholders with respect to such gain
(subject to applicable alternative minimum tax, a special alternative minimum
tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals, and the possible application
of the 30% branch profits tax in the case of non-U.S. corporations).

                                       28
<PAGE>
STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAXATION

    We may be required to pay state, local and foreign taxes in various state,
local and foreign jurisdictions, including those in which we transact business
or make investments, and our stockholders may be required to pay state, local
and foreign taxes in various state, local and foreign jurisdictions, including
those in which they reside. Our state, local and foreign tax treatment may not
conform to the Federal income tax consequences summarized above. In addition,
your state, local and foreign tax treatment may not conform to the Federal
income tax consequences summarized above. Consequently, you should consult your
tax advisor regarding the effect of state, local and foreign tax laws on an
investment in our securities.

POSSIBLE LEGISLATIVE OR OTHER ACTIONS AFFECTING REITS.

    The rules dealing with Federal income taxation are constantly under review
by persons involved in the legislative process and by the Internal Revenue
Service and the U.S. Treasury Department. Changes to the tax law, which may have
retroactive application, could adversely affect us and our investors. It cannot
be predicted whether, when, in what forms, or with what effective dates, the tax
law applicable to us or our investors will be changed.

                              SELLING SHAREHOLDER


    As of January 7, 2000, RECP II Anthracite, LLC beneficially owned 1,200,000
shares of our Series A preferred stock, currently convertible into 4,081,680
shares of common stock. The selling shareholder acquired those shares from us on
December 2, 1999 in a private placement. Registration of those shares of
Series A preferred stock or the shares of common stock into which they are
convertible does not necessarily mean that the selling shareholder will sell all
or any of those Series A preferred or common shares. Because the selling
shareholder may sell all or some of those Series A preferred or common shares,
no estimate can be given as to the number of shares of our Series A preferred
stock or common stock that will be held by the selling shareholder after
completion of any offering. Andrew P. Rifkin, a managing director of the selling
shareholder, was appointed as a director of Anthracite in December 1999.



    In connection with the acquisition of Series A preferred stock by the
selling shareholder, we entered into a registration rights agreement granting to
the selling shareholder and its transferes and assigns demand and "piggy-back"
registration rights with respect to the Series A preferred stock and shares of
common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A preferred stock.


                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION


    We may sell common stock, preferred stock, warrants or any series of debt
securities being offered by this prospectus in one or more of the following ways
from time to time:


    - to underwriters for resale to the public or to institutional investors;

    - directly to institutional investors; or


    - through agents to the public or to institutional investors.



    The prospectus supplements will describe the terms of the offering of the
securities by us or the selling shareholder, including the name or names of any
underwriters or agents, the purchase price of such securities and the proceeds
to us from such sale, any underwriting discounts or agency fees and other item's
constituting underwriters' or agents' compensation, any initial public offering
price, any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers and
any securities exchanges on which such securities may be listed.


                                       29
<PAGE>

    If underwriters are used in the sale by us or the selling shareholder, the
securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be
resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated
transactions, at a fixed public offering price or prices, which may be changed,
at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such
prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.


    Unless a prospectus supplement states otherwise, the obligations of the
underwriters to purchase any series of securities will be subject to certain
conditions precedent and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of
such series of securities, if any are purchased.


    Underwriters and agents may be entitled under agreements entered into with
us or the selling shareholder to indemnification by us against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to
contribution with respect to payments which the underwriters or agents may be
required to make. Underwriters and agents may be customers of, engage in
transactions with, or perform services for us and our affiliates and the selling
shareholder and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business.



    This prospectus, including any amendment or supplement, may also be used in
connection with sales of up to 1,200,000 shares of Series A preferred stock
issued to the selling shareholder, the common stock issuable upon conversion of
the Series A preferred stock or any of the securities issued as (or issuable
upon the conversion or exercise of any warrant, right or other security which is
issued as) a dividend or other distribution with respect to or in exchange
generally by Anthracite for, or in replacement by Anthracite generally of the
Series A preferred stock or common stock issuable upon conversion of the
Series A preferred stock, subject to the terms of a registration rights
agreement between the selling shareholder and Anthracite.



    The selling shareholder, or its pledgees, assignees, transferees or other
successors in interest may offer its shares of Series A preferred stock or
common stock at various times in one or more of the following transactions: in
exchange or the over-the-counter market transactions; in private transactions
other than exchange or over-the-counter market transactions; through short sales
or put and call option transactions through underwriters, brokers or dealers
(who may act as agent or principal), directly to one or more purchasers, through
agents, through distribution by the selling shareholder or its successor in
interest to its members, partners or shareholders, in negotiated transactions,
by pledge to secure debts and other obligations or in a combination of such
methods. The selling shareholder may sell its shares at market prices prevailing
at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices, at
negotiated prices or at fixed prices.



    The selling shareholder also may resell all or a portion of its Series A
preferred stock or common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A
preferred stock in open market transactions in reliance upon Rule 144 under the
Securities Act, provided it meets the criteria and conforms to the requirements
of Rule 144.



    The selling shareholder may use underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents to
sell its shares. Any underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents may receive
compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the
selling shareholder, the purchaser or such other persons who may be effecting
sales hereunder (which discounts, concessions or commissions as to particular
underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents may be in excess of those customary in
the types of transactions involved). Underwriters may sell the Series A
preferred stock or common shares to or through dealers, and such dealers may
receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from
the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as
agents. The selling shareholder or other persons effecting sales hereunder, and
any such underwriters, brokers, dealers and agents may be deemed to be
"underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any discounts or
commissions they receive and any profit on the sale of the Series A preferred
stock or common shares they realize may be deemed to be underwriting discounts
and commissions under the


                                       30
<PAGE>

Securities Act. Some sales may involve shares in which the selling shareholder
has granted security interests and which are being sold because of foreclosure
of those security interests. We have agreed to indemnify the selling shareholder
against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities
Act. The selling shareholder or other persons effecting sales hereunder may
agree to indemnify any such underwriters, dealers and agents against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.



    The selling shareholder may enter into hedging transactions with
broker-dealers or other financial institutions. In connection with such
transactions, broker-dealers or other financial institutions may engage in short
sales of our shares of our Series A preferred or common stock in the course of
hedging the positions they assume with the selling shareholder. The selling
shareholder may also enter into options or other transactions with
broker-dealers or other financial institutions which require the delivery to
such broker-dealer or other financial institution of our shares of Series A
preferred stock or common stock offered hereby, which shares such broker-dealer
or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as
supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).



    Under the securities laws of certain states, the securities offered by this
prospectus may be sold in those states only through registered or licensed
brokers or dealers. In addition, in certain states the securities offered by
this prospectus may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified
for sale in such state or an exemption from registration or qualification is
available and is complied with. In connection with any resales by the selling
shareholder, a prospectus supplement, if required, will be filed under
Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act, disclosing the number of shares involved
and other details of such resale to the extent appropriate.



    Each series of securities offered by us will be a new issue of securities
and will have no established trading market other than the common stock which is
listed on the NYSE. Any common stock sold by us or the selling shareholder
pursuant to a prospectus supplement will be listed on the NYSE, subject to
official notice of issuance. Any underwriters to whom we or the selling
shareholder sell securities for public offering and sale may make a market in
the securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may
discontinue any market making at any time without notice. The securities, other
than the common stock, may or may not be listed on a national securities
exchange.


                                 LEGAL OPINIONS

    Some legal matters relating to the securities offered hereby will be passed
upon for us by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Certain legal matters
relating to Maryland law relating to the validity of the securities being
offered by this prospectus are being passed upon for us by Miles & Stockbridge
P.C.


                                    EXPERTS



    Our financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by reference from
our Annual Report on Form 10-K has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by
reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such
firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.


                                       31
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

    The following table sets forth the expenses to be borne by the registrant in
connection with the offerings described in this Registration Statement. All such
expenses other than the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee are
estimates.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee.........  $ 55,600
Transfer Agents, Trustees and Depositary's Fees and
  Expenses..................................................    10,000
Printing and Engraving Fees and Expenses....................    25,000
Accounting Fees and Expenses................................    10,000
Legal Fees..................................................    75,000
Rating Agency Fees..........................................    10,000
Miscellaneous (including Listing Fees, if applicable).......     4,400
                                                              --------
  Total.....................................................  $190,000
                                                              ========
</TABLE>

- ------------------------

*   To be completed by amendment.

ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

    As permitted by the MGCL, the registrant's Charter obligates it to indemnify
its present and former directors and officers and the Manager and its employees,
officers, directors and controlling persons and to pay or reimburse reasonable
expenses for such persons in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding to
the maximum extent permitted from time to time by Maryland law. The MGCL permits
a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among
others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses
actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be
made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities, unless it
is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was
material to the matter giving rise to such proceeding and (i) was committed in
bad faith, or (ii) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the
director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money,
property or services, or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the
director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was
unlawful. The registrant's Bylaws implement the provisions relating to
indemnification contained in its Charter. The MCGL permits the charter of a
Maryland corporation to include a provision limiting the liability of its
directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money
damages, except to the extent that (i) the person actually received an improper
benefit or profit in money, property or services, or (ii) a judgment or other
final adjudication is entered in a proceeding based on a finding that the
person's action, or failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate
dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the
proceeding. The registrant's Charter contains a provision providing for
elimination of the liability of its directors or officers to it or its
stockholders for money damages to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law
from time to time. In addition, the registrant's officers, directors, and
controlling persons are indemnified against certain liabilities by the
registrant under the Underwriting Agreement relating to this Offering. The
registrant will maintain for the benefit of its officers and directors,
officers' and directors' insurance.

                                      II-1
<PAGE>
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS

    The following is a list of all exhibits filed as a part of this Registration
Statement on Form S-3, including those incorporated herein by reference.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       EXHIBIT
       NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
- ---------------------   ------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                     <S>
         1.1            The form of Underwriting Agreement will be filed as an
                        exhibit to a Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K
                        and incorporated herein by reference.

         4.1            Form of Senior Indenture.+

         4.2            Form of Subordinated Indenture.+

         4.3            The form of any Senior Note with respect to each particular
                        series of Senior Notes issued hereunder will be filed as an
                        exhibit to a Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K
                        and incorporated herein by reference.

         4.4            The form of any Subordinated Note with respect to each
                        particular series of Subordinated Notes issued hereunder
                        will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report of the
                        Registrant on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

         4.5            The form of any articles supplementary with respect to any
                        preferred stock issued hereunder will be filed as an exhibit
                        to a Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K and
                        incorporated herein by reference.

         4.6            The form of Warrant Agreement with respect to any warrant
                        served hereunder will be filed as an exhibit to a Current
                        Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K and incorporated herein
                        by reference.

         4.7            The form of any warrant with respect to each series of
                        warrants will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report of
                        the Registrant on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by
                        reference.

         5.1            Opinion of Miles & Stockbridge P.C.+

         5.2            Opinion of Miles & Stockbridge P.C. regarding shares held by
                        RECP.*

        12.1            Statement re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
                        Charges.*

        23.1            Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Accountants.*

        23.2            Consent of Miles & Stockbridge P.C. (included in Exhibit
                        5.1).

        24.1            Power of Attorney of certain officers and directors of
                        Anthracite.+

        24.2            Power of Attorney of Andrew P. Rifkin.*

        25.1            Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust
                        Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of            , as
                        Trustee under the Senior Indenture will be filed as an
                        exhibit to a Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K
                        and incorporated herein by reference.

        25.2            Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust
                        Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of            , as
                        Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture will be filed as an
                        exhibit to a Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K
                        and incorporated herein by reference.
</TABLE>


- ------------------------

+   Filed previously.


*   Filed herewith.


                                      II-2
<PAGE>
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS

    The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

    (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement to include any material
information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in
the registration statement or any material change to such information in the
registration statement,

    (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof;

    (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.

    The undersigned Registrant hereby further undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the provisions set forth in Item 15, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.

    The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the
purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection
(a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and
regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Act.

                                      II-3
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES


    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Anthracite
Capital, Inc. certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement or amendment thereto to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, in the State of
New York on February 3, 2000.


<TABLE>
<S>                                                    <C>  <C>
                                                       ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC.

                                                       By   /s/ RICHARD M. SHEA
                                                            -----------------------------------------
                                                            Name: Richard M. Shea
                                                            Title:  Chief Operating Officer and Chief
                                                                    Financial Officer
</TABLE>

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      SIGNATURE                                   TITLE                    DATE
                      ---------                                   -----                    ----
<C>                                                    <S>                          <C>
                          *
     -------------------------------------------       Chairman of the Board         February 3, 2000
                  Laurence D. Fink

                                                       President and Chief
                          *                              Executive Officer and
     -------------------------------------------         Director (Principal         February 3, 2000
                   Hugh R. Frater                        Executive Officer)

                                                       Chief Operating Officer and
                 /s/ RICHARD M. SHEA                     Chief Financial Officer
     -------------------------------------------         (Principal Financial        February 3, 2000
                   Richard M. Shea                       Officer and Principal
                                                         Accounting Officer)
                          *
     -------------------------------------------       Director                      February 3, 2000
                  Donald G. Drapkin

                          *
     -------------------------------------------       Director                      February 3, 2000
                    Carl Guether

                          *
     -------------------------------------------       Director                      February 3, 2000
                   Jeffrey C. Keil

                          *
     -------------------------------------------       Director                      February 3, 2000
                  Andrew P. Rifkin

                          *
     -------------------------------------------       Director                      February 3, 2000
               Kendrick R. Wilson, III
</TABLE>



<TABLE>
<S>   <C>                                                    <C>                          <C>
*By:                   /s/ RICHARD M. SHEA
             --------------------------------------          Attorney-in-fact              February 3, 2000
                         Richard M. Shea
</TABLE>


                                      II-4
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       EXHIBIT
       NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBITS
- ---------------------                     -----------------------
<C>                     <S>
         1.1            The form of Underwriting Agreement will be filed as an
                        exhibit to a Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K
                        and incorporated herein by reference.

         4.1            Form of Senior Indenture.+

         4.2            Form of Subordinated Indenture.+

         4.3            The form of any Senior Note with respect to each particular
                        series of Senior Notes issued hereunder will be filed as an
                        exhibit to a Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K
                        and incorporated herein by reference.

         4.4            The form of any Subordinated Note with respect to each
                        particular series of Subordinated Notes issued hereunder
                        will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report of the
                        Registrant on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

         4.5            The form of any articles supplementary with respect to any
                        preferred stock issued hereunder will be filed as an exhibit
                        to a Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K and
                        incorporated herein by reference.

         4.6            The form of Warrant Agreement with respect to any warrant
                        issued hereunder will be filed as an exhibit to a Current
                        Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K and incorporated herein
                        by reference.

         4.7            The form of any warrant with respect to each series of
                        warrants will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report of
                        the Registrant on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by
                        reference.

         5.1            Opinion of Miles & Stockbridge P.C.+

         5.2            Opinion of Miles & Stockbridge P.C. regarding shares held by
                        RECP.*

        12.1            Statement re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
                        Charges.*

        23.1            Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Accountants.*

        23.2            Consent of Miles & Stockbridge P.C. (included in Exhibit
                        5.1).

        24.1            Power of Attorney of certain officers and directors of
                        Anthracite.+

        24.2            Power of Attorney of Andrew P. Rifkin.*

        25.1            Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust
                        Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of           , as Trustee
                        under the Senior Indenture will be filed as an exhibit to a
                        Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K and
                        incorporated herein by reference.

        25.2            Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust
                        Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of           , as Trustee
                        under the Subordinated Indenture will be filed as an exhibit
                        to a Current Report of the Registrant on Form 8-K and
                        incorporated herein by reference.
</TABLE>


- ------------------------

+   Filed previously.


*   Filed herewith.


<PAGE>


                     [LETTERHEAD OF MILES & STOCKBRIDGE P.C.]

                                                                    EXHIBIT 5.2


                              February 3, 2000

Anthracite Capital, Inc.
345 Park Avenue, 29th Floor
New York, New York 10154

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as special Maryland counsel to Anthracite Capital, Inc.,
a Maryland corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the registration
of certain securities of the Company on its Registration Statement on Form
S-3 (Registration No. 333-75473, together with any and all exhibits and
post-effective amendments thereto, the "Registration Statement") filed by the
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to (i) the offering
from time to time on a delayed or continuous basis, pursuant to Rule 415 of
the Securities Act of (A) shares of the Company's common stock, $.001 par
value per share (the "Common Shares"), (B) shares of the Company's preferred
stock, $.001 par value per share, (C) senior debt securities, (D)
subordinated debt securities, and (E) warrants to purchase Common Shares or
Preferred Shares, and (ii) the offering of (A) up to 1,200,000 shares of
10.5% Series A Senior Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock, par
value $.001 per share (the "Series A Preferred Shares") by RECP II
Anthracite, LLC, and (B) up to 4,081,680 Common Shares, the number of Common
Shares into which the Series A Preferred Shares were convertible as of the
date that the Series A Preferred Shares were issued.

     We have examined the Registration Statement, and such other documents,
corporate records, laws and regulations as we have deemed necessary for the
purposes of giving the opinions set forth in this opinion letter. Based upon
that examination and subject to the assumptions and qualifications set forth
herein, we are of the opinion that:

      1. The Series A Preferred Shares have been duly authorized, are
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

      2. When issued by the Company upon conversion of the Series A
Preferred Shares in accordance with the terms of the Series A Preferred
Shares, the Common Shares into which the Series A Preferred Shares are
convertible will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.


<PAGE>

Anthracite Capital, Inc.
January 13, 2000
Page 2



     We have relied as to certain matters on information obtained from public
officials and officers of the Company. We express no opinion with respect to
the laws of, or the effect or applicability of the laws of, any jurisdiction
other than the laws of the State of Maryland.

     We hereby consent to the use of our name under the heading "Legal
Matters" in the Prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement and
to the filing of this opinion letter with the Registration Statement as
Exhibit 5.2 thereto. In giving our consent, we do not thereby admit that we
are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of
the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission thereunder. The opinion expressed herein is limited to the
matters set forth in this letter and no other opinion should be inferred
beyond the matters expressly stated.

                                       Very truly yours,


                                       Miles & Stockbridge P.C.



                                       By:
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           Principal



<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 12.1

                            ANTHRACITE CAPITAL, INC.
                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               MARCH 24, 1998        NINE MONTHS
                                                                   THROUGH              ENDED
                                                              DECEMBER 31, 1998   SEPTEMBER 30, 1999
                                                              -----------------   ------------------
<S>                                                           <C>                 <C>
Net Income (loss)...........................................       (1,389)              20,467
Add:
  Interest Expense..........................................       23,478               14,553
Less:
  Earnings as adjusted......................................       22,089               35,020
  Fixed Charges (interest expense)..........................       23,478               14,553
  Ratio of earnings to fixed charges........................        0.94x                2.41x
</TABLE>


<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

    We consent to the use in this Registration Statement No. 333-75473 of
Anthracite Capital, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated March 17, 1999 which is
incorporated by reference within such Registration Statement.

    We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the
Prospectus.

New York, New York
February 3, 2000

<PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 24.2



                               POWER OF ATTORNEY



    KNOWN BY ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that the person whose signature
appears below, constitutes and appoints Richard M. Shea, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for such person and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, in
connection with the registrant's Registration Statement in the name and on
behalf of the registrant or on behalf of the undersigned as a director or
officer of the registrant, on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to sign
the Registration Statement and any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to the Registration Statement, and any subsequent registration
statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto
said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith,
as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, thereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.



                                        By: /s/ Andrew P. Rifkin
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name: Andrew P. Rifkin
                                        Title: Director



© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission