The optical conductivity sigma (omega) for dense Coulomb systems is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations on the basis of pseudopotentials to mimic quantum effects. Starting from linear response theory, the response in the long-wavelength limit k=0 can be expressed by different types of autocorrelation functions (ACF's) such as the current ACF, the force ACF, or the charge density ACF. Consistent simulation data for transverse as well as longitudinal ACF's are shown which are based on calculations with high numerical accuracy. Results are compared with perturbation expansions which are restricted to small values of the plasma parameter. The relevance with respect to a quantum Coulomb plasma is discussed. Finally, results are presented showing a consistent description of these model plasmas in comparison to quantum statistical approaches and to experimental data.